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.

 

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