Corporate Strategy at a Brokerage Shop?
For about five years, I've been on an institutional investment sales team covering one state. I have learned a lot and been fortunate to be on a strong team that has provided a very formative experience. During this time, I've also networked well within the company and built a good personal brand.
With that said, I am now at a crossroads. On one hand, I have an opportunity to pursue more of a corporate role in the company to help it grow and interface with the company's leadership at HQ. On the other hand, I can 'cash in my chips' with my brokers and jump to the buy side, as I had always planned. My brokers have agreed to genuinely help me when the time is right.
My Question (targeted at more mid-level / senior folks):
If my plan has been to hopefully start a firm one day down the road with several of my closest friends (they're in the industry and focus on the same property type)..
Does shifting to a corporate role, thereby pausing my property-level experience for a few years, hurt me in the long run? I view this role as a stepping stone before the ownership side or maybe some sort of fund-raising role. After that, I would potentially pursue that original idea with my friends.
I have several pros and cons that I'm weighing, but would greatly appreciate any thoughts or helpful anecdotes.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights and considerations for your situation:
Pros of Shifting to a Corporate Role:
Cons of Shifting to a Corporate Role:
Considerations:
Anecdotes from WSO Threads:
Ultimately, the decision should align with your long-term career aspirations and the specific skills and experiences you need to achieve them.
Sources: corporate development regrets?, Q&A: Recently Left Role as Sr. Associate in LMM PE Due to Burnout, Q&A: Business Analysis at F500 Firm, Corporate Development: My Experiences and Background, Fork in the road: Career path in Asset Management
If you want to be on the buy-side in the long-term, go sooner rather than later - especially if your current sell-side bosses are offering to help. In past experience, HQ roles - while cushy and a great resume builder - will effectively be glorified paper-pushing and power point shuffling. However, if you ultimately want to be capital raiser, and this paper pusher role gives you direct connections to capital sources (which I think is unlikely), then the choice is less clear.
TLDR: go buyside
Appreciate your insight and advice. Definitely going to be careful with the decision.
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