Commercial Banking Credit Analyst career path + exit ops?

I'm a first year credit analyst at a middle market commercial bank. I was lucky to secure this role through references.

This seems nice and within the firm I'd like to go from Credit Analyst -> Loan officer -> Relationship manager if possible, since it's a smaller bank.

The firm is middle market and gives loans to mid-sized businesses.

But outside of this, what opportunities are there? Would I be qualified to move to corporate banking? Could I move into some sort of consulting or more lucrative real estate roles?

PE is my dream goal but it's pretty much impossible because of my credentials. I would like to do something more challenging like restructuring or consulting, where I can add value and see changes. I am also open to corporate finance because of the money, although FP&A and treasury seem boring in the long-run.

I'm good with people which is why the relationship manager route seems entertaining, but i'd like to choose a path where i'm making 100k+ by my late 20s (in midwest city).

Does anyone have any experience/information making moves from this position or have any friends who've done this?

I don't really like the idea of my only upgrades being to go to a bigger bank. I want to do something better and generally more prestigious (as douchey as that sounds I can't think of a better word).

2 Comments
 
Best Response

If you like restructuring, have you considered going into your groups Special Assets/Asset Recovery group? This can provide some good exits to restructuring consulting .

FWIW, the RM route can definitely get you to $100K by 30 if you're good at what you do.

You could also move to corporate banking, you'll likely need to network. You'll definitely want to move to a larger bank for this as well.

I'd cross off PE because as you mentioned, your odds are little to 0. Unless you get in a sponsor finance type group like BMO has, you likely have 0 shot without exp at a solid IB. Even if you do get into a sponsor finance group, your likely exits would be credit funds, not buyout funds.

Feel free to PM, I've done both CB and IB.

 

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