LevFin WLB-focused Exits and Other Questions

Hi all.

Incoming analyst at an MM IB hoping to get some insights from a professional in the LevFin space. I'm planning to do CorpDev after 2 years of banking as WLB is a big factor. My questions:

1. Exit opps: What are some exits available to LevFin, especially WLB-focused ones? I've heard of special sits, credit funds, PE, debt-focused HFs, etc. but was wondering if breaking into CorpDev or Fintech is easy from LevFin? 
2. Current Market Conditions: now isn't a good time to be in LevFin given rising interest rates and risk-off sentiment regarding buyouts. If I'm hoping to do banking for 2-years and (presumably) exit to CorpDev, should I go into LevFin? Or is M&A a better choice?
3. Work: Aside from Excel & Powerpoint, what other additional work / skills would I be developing?

I might be thinking a bit short-term, so if I need to take a long-term perspective, please let me know what I should be thinking about.

Thank you.