Lateral Analyst at BB in FoFs. Want to move to Coverage / LevFin internall - HOW?

Hi monkeys - title lays it out quite clearly but to elaborate, I have 3 internships within alternative investment managers (MFs) however due to a lack of IB experience, none of them were convertable to 'investment professional' roles. I learned a lot and I'm really keen to end up in this type of seat however in the mean time, I accepted a lateral analyst 3 role at a BB's AM-arm which is a big step up title wise (and took many rounds / cases to secure). Problem is, it's for a FoFs seat which is a great role in terms of WLB and access to GPs however I feel too far removed from the asset level analysis which is what primarily interests me it turns out.

I'm thinking it will be nearly impossible to move from FoFs to direct at a top firm so I could potentially sit in this FoFs seat and perform for a year or so meanwhile building a network in the bank with the IB / LevFin teams to potentially pitch the move to them when the time comes. Then a few years in IBD and I will have optionality again. 

I also don't think many HHs will put me in the process for these seats when I'm up against AN2/3s in IBD

Thanks in advance for any advice and if you happen to know someone in LevFin / Coverage based in London and looking for an analyst.... PM me pls. 

7 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some steps and strategies you can take to move from a Fund of Funds (FoFs) role to a Coverage or Leveraged Finance (LevFin) role internally at a bulge bracket (BB) bank:

  1. Build Strong Relationships:

    • Network actively within the bank, especially with the IB and LevFin teams.
    • Attend bank meetings and due diligence sessions to get face time with key players.
    • Establish a point of contact within these teams to field any questions and show your interest.
  2. Leverage Your Current Role:

    • Highlight the transferable skills you have developed in your FoFs role, such as portfolio management and hedging skills.
    • Emphasize your exposure to underwriting and structuring transactions, even if indirectly.
  3. Demonstrate Your Interest and Knowledge:

    • Show your understanding of the asset-level analysis and how it applies to Coverage and LevFin roles.
    • Prepare internal LBO/M&A models and other relevant financial models to demonstrate your technical skills.
  4. Seek Internal Opportunities:

    • Keep an eye out for internal job postings within the bank for Coverage or LevFin roles.
    • Make it known to your current manager and HR that you are interested in transitioning to these roles.
  5. Performance and Timing:

    • Perform exceptionally well in your current role to build a strong reputation.
    • After a year or so, when you have proven your capabilities, pitch the move to the IB/LevFin teams.
  6. Utilize Head Hunters (HHs):

    • While you may feel at a disadvantage compared to AN2/3s in IBD, some headhunters might still consider you if you can demonstrate strong performance and relevant skills.
    • Network with headhunters who specialize in placing candidates in IB/LevFin roles.
  7. Optionality and Long-Term Planning:

    • Consider the move as a stepping stone. A few years in IBD will provide you with the optionality to move into more direct investment roles in the future.

By following these steps, you can strategically position yourself for a successful transition from a FoFs role to a Coverage or LevFin role within your bank. Good luck!

Sources: Credit Analyst Q&A, Q&A: HF Analyst @ $5bn+ Fund - Breaking In and Transition to Risk-Taking Role, Day in the Life--Middle Office (Risk), https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/asset-management/qa-current-analyst-at-20bn-hedge-fof?customgpt=1, Lev Fin Outlook & Best Groups 2020

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Sorry, I read your post twice and don’t understand a bit. You did 3 off cycles at HFs and immediately after got A3 role at BB in their investments arm? Or am I missing something?

 

Apologies - theres a lot of context I was trying to lay out in brief terms. 

I spent over a year completing off cycles at 'conventionally top' private equity firms and then recruited for a typical 'investment professional - Senior Analyst / Associate' role at a FoFs. Historically they hired people with 1+ years of IBD as most funds but I suppose given it's FoF they were willing to take a chance on me without the IBD pre-requisite. 

I also read a lot and interview well - feedback from interviews was that I know the market really well for my age and my technicals are strong. The issue is I just can't land interviews at the roles I want given the lack of IBD background. 

 

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