Debt Fund Exit Opps?

Currently an analyst working at a new york debt fund doing mezzanine, pref and structured equity, and cmbs deals. What kind of exits opps are available for someone in that role? Is the equity side feasible if that's the end goal? Would I need an MS to bridge the gap for equity? I have 3 years experience, with 1 year so far at the current firm.

These are hypothetical questions as I am not looking for a job right now due to the environment, but since we all have down time I thought I would reach out.

Thank you

7 Comments
 

I didn't transfer from lending so just a guess. IT would seem at the junior levels analyst-associate the skillset is pretty transferable. All that matters in this industry is deal flow, and the more you have seen the better. I'd take someone who has been on the lending side with good deal flow over an analyst at an equity shop who closed like 100mm in deals. In fact I think it is easier to start off in lending and go to equity than the other way around.

 
Most Helpful

I'm doing the same thing you are and would like to go to the equity side one day. I can't speak to the actual transition since I haven't done it, but I would agree with the above that deal flow is king. If you have screened and modeled hundreds of deals like I have, then you should have a good and quick eye when it comes to good and bad deals. That skillset is valuable regardless if you are in debt or equity.

So in short, I think it is very possible. With some networking you can definitely make it work.

 
"stev0026" If you have screened and modeled hundreds of deals like I have, then you should have a good and quick eye when it comes to good and bad deals. That skillset is valuable regardless if you are in debt or equity.

This. If you have the transaction experience and can somewhat think like an investor, you're more than halfway there.

 

Yes it is possible. Networking will take you further than blindly applying, obviously. But with deal reps, a strong CV, networking, and general RE investment knowledge, you should be okay.

 

100% you can transfer, you will not need a MS unless you happen to want to get one. Working at a debt fund is the most opportunistic arena of debt, and I think many firms will look highly upon you experience. Underwrirting is underwriting is underwriting. The only difference between debt and equity is equity is paying more attention to all the capital expenditures being spent. However, dealing with Perf and Structured Equity, you are probably seeing that. I think you are in a good spot.

 
"Analyst 1 in RE - Comm"

Currently an analyst working at a new york debt fund doing mezzanine, pref and structured equity, and cmbs deals. What kind of exits opps are available for someone in that role? Is the equity side feasible if that's the end goal? Would I need an MS to bridge the gap for equity? I have 3 years experience, with 1 year so far at the current firm.

These are hypothetical questions as I am not looking for a job right now due to the environment, but since we all have down time I thought I would reach out.

Thank you

text
 

Necessitatibus est dolor eius. Totam at totam consequatur nulla rerum id.

Odio aut libero doloremque eaque consequatur tempore cupiditate vel. Aliquam sapiente nesciunt et reprehenderit nihil et et. Exercitationem sapiente aliquid enim sequi voluptate voluptatem. Quae error quaerat optio est ullam ullam in. Repellat quisquam expedita vero et aspernatur magnam. Magni laudantium eius velit rerum.

Dolores consequuntur sint velit facere ipsum nemo accusamus. Excepturi omnis numquam dolor. Sed omnis dicta alias tempora. Ratione quisquam rem fugit rerum alias sed.

Career Advancement Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Guggenheim Partners 02 97.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 97.4%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.4%

Professional Growth Opportunities

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.4%

Total Avg Compensation

October 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (57) $264
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (16) $161
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $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

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...”