Moving from REPE to corporate PE - possible?

Have ~5 years of REPE experience under my belt, first at a more MM type shop (e.g. oaktree/angelo gordon) and more recently at a larger shop (e.g. starwood/brookfield) - pls ignore title. At this point, after having educated myself on corporate/infra transactions, i've come to realize that i'm much more interested in those areas than asset-level RE. Is it possible to make the transition w/o an MBA? What should I be doing to make a move to a reputable MM/UMM/MF corporate/infra group (would not be willing to move to a startup, no-name shop). I know this isn’t an orthodox transition, but I would imagine that it would be possible given the firms I’ve worked at - but happy to be told otherwise. Also, I have not done an IBD program - started my career on the buyside. Any help/insights would be appreciated.

4 Comments
 

Probably would be tough unless you want a cut in seniority. Have seen the difference in RE modelling and general work vs PE, and it’s quite stark especially if you’re at an operationally focussed PE fund.

If you’re worried about yields staying elevated then I’d say the grass is not substantially greener, we’re also struggling to get financing and anyone who paid a hefty multiple in the last few years is starting to sweat.

 
Most Helpful

Agree with the below, lateral to IB and ~2 years there is the best way to make the move. UMM and MF are out without IB. You just don't have directly transferable skills, especially with no IB earlier in your career.

If you're against IB, would hit up your network at MM shops - personal, alum, former people from your firm. it's going to be closer to a "startup" firm than a well-known MM FWIW, the names you mentioned as MMs are very solid shops on the corp side, and would be out of reach unless you have major connections in your target group. Recruiters are not going to throw an unorthodox candidate into the mix for a top firm when they have a line out the door of strong candidates with traditional PE experience.

 

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