Is Corp Dev really better?

Title says it all, really. Is corporate development the haven it’s often talked about, with better hours, actual vacations, still very decent pay, etc? 
 

I know it’s not going to be consistently 9-5, but is it far more often 9-5/6 than not? Does it have the same stress and pressure as PE? I think PE itself is interesting but I think the hours and stress of not knowing what you’re doing but having the time pressure makes it really tough.

Would appreciate any context from people who have made the jump, as well as any tips on how to get there.

4 Comments
 
[Comment removed by mod team]
 

Good if you come in as a director/VP level or higher and get equity. The head of my team of 9, cleared $2m when I was in CD. It sucked being an analyst (probably includes mid-level associates/managers too) on a team where there is no clear promotion structure and no to low bonus/equity. That's why you'll see people jumping around company to company to get promoted rather than waiting internally so much. I got paid the same as the financial analysts at the company...started to think wtf did I grind so hard to get here for and dipped eventually. The seniors stayed for 4-7 years because the schedule worked for their family situations and the work is genuinely fulfilling if you're on a good role that contributes from both the strategic planning, competitive analysis side as well as the sourcing, valuations, LOI, diligence side

Array
 

Been in my current role as a Corp Dev Associate at a large public co for around 6 months post-banking — the hours and stress are absolutely nothing like PE or IB. My group is made up of guys who came from IB, hated the culture and strive to be the polar opposite. The upsides: I have a passion for the industry and I’m given autonomy over my own schedule, so it’s been an absolute dream from a fulfillment and work life balance POV. The downsides: I’m underpaid ($125K base + 10% cash bonus), 3 years expected until promotion (but early promotion is possible), occasionally work on deals where the rationale makes no sense and CD has minimal ability to push back. 

 

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