Is it possible to lateral to the associate level without an MBA and no prior IB experience?

But say you have relevant "deal" experience (aka Big 4 FDD/Valuations type stuff) and have focused on a specific industry.

Has anyone ever seen this happen? I would assume this never happens at BBs but what about boutiques and smaller shops?

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Saw this recently. Someone with research experience moving into associate role at a top MM. No MBA and no pertinent IB experience (outside of having worked in research at an IB).

 
Best Response

From what I've seen, this is definitely doable at the MM level. Assuming you have a strong technical base and are able to leverage industry experience, I think it is possible.

However, I have also seen people with similar backgrounds who went to grad school and absolutely crushed IB recruiting. Had their pick from top BB/EB's.

 

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