CorpDev without sell-side experience?

Currently mid 20s, in a decent msf program. Recruiting for IB analyst roles but am tempted by the prospect of corp dev. Usually when I see it discussed on this forum, it’s posed as an Exit Opp to be pursued post-analyst.
The classic narrative goes: “An1-2 feeling the need to exit and wants (whether by choice or by lack of PE options) to go to industry. They’ve made decent money, saved enough to benefit from compound interest, so are comfortable taking lower (relative) pay for a better life.”

I haven’t done an analyst stint, but have decent internships. Still sharp with technicals, and have pretty good business acumen that I make efforts to maintain. I’m not happy with finances atm (60k in brokerage)  so it's not like I don’t want high pay, but I have a solid plan for frugal living + investing to recover lost ground.

Will the lack of analyst experience make me an uncompetitive candidate? How might I attack the issue of branding myself correctly for corp dev/strategic finance?

4 Comments
 

MMBanker14:

Did you work at all in a full time role before MSF? 

Some banking internships, some startup work. Limited experience within a large corporate entity.

 

Consectetur voluptatem deserunt doloremque temporibus consequatur consectetur atque. Aut qui fuga deleniti pariatur et impedit sed. Eum quos minus non et minima sit. Consequatur ducimus debitis et aliquam animi soluta quisquam.

Libero molestiae dicta totam. Libero eos voluptate porro accusantium. Dolores cupiditate aut dolor numquam recusandae.

Tempore veniam quae adipisci. Deleniti sequi veritatis autem inventore qui. Corrupti sed quis qui perferendis dolorum fugiat omnis. Ipsum voluptatem ut sed earum nisi illo.

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (50) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”