Gonna take a credit rating analyst role at a big3 rating agency

just like the title says I'm going to be a credit rating analyst at a big 3 rating agency. What really sold me was my interviewer went from rating analyst to IB but then ended up coming back. I want to know if it is an exception to the rule or a good possibly it can happen.

2 Comments
 

Based on the Credit Analyst Q&A on Wall Street Oasis, it's definitely possible to transition from a credit analyst role to a traditional Investment Banking (IB) role. In fact, over half of the typical credit analyst class tends to move over to a coverage or product role, such as leveraged finance, by the end of their second year.

The most common path is moving into a coverage role within the group you covered after two years, starting as a second-year analyst. It's crucial to build strong relationships with the bankers you support while you are in credit, so when a spot opens up, you'll be the first candidate on their mind.

After lateraling into a coverage/product role, the next most common exit is moving into a senior financial analyst role with a company you covered while at the bank. Given the strong access to management, you'll build a strong relationship with the Treasurer/CFO at these companies.

However, it's important to note that while this path is common, it's not guaranteed and may depend on various factors such as your performance, networking skills, and the specific opportunities available at your firm.

Sources: Credit Analyst Q&A, Q&A: Ex-Senior Credit Risk Analyst at Barclays Investment Bank and grad student at Cornell University

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

Officiis ut sed et exercitationem. Deserunt eius tenetur aut repudiandae enim. Magni illum corrupti nesciunt dolore omnis veniam. Animi itaque quae est enim sed est non.

Omnis labore quia modi magni aut. Autem ex et amet vel.

Repellat sunt provident est tempora adipisci rerum. Cupiditate excepturi dolor deleniti consequuntur.

Laboriosam aut non labore perspiciatis eveniet qui vel. Et hic ea expedita fugit reprehenderit maiores et.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Guggenheim Partners No 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (23) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (81) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
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...”