Did a lateral career move payoff for you?

Do those kinds of career moves make sense, or do they pigeonhole you if you went to the same role at another shop? I'm in asset management (4-5 years) trying to make the leap towards development. So far not so successful with getting an offer. I did get an offer for a job that was similar to what I was already doing, but I opted against it mostly because it was the same kind of work but longer hours.

I think I was too optimistic that an offer in development would come around. I'm really worn out by my current role and only stressed out at how much harder it will be to switch out the longer I stay. Not sure what to do.

9 Comments
 

From an employer perspective, laterals always get looked at a bit skeptically... is in "why are you wanting to do this". If the candidate has a good answer and everything else makes sense, then maybe they get judged very well, but I think it is easy to get down rated in the process. My own personal experience has been that jumping upward in position/title is actually easier. I haven't really "jumped" that much in career, but each time it was for a clear higher grade position, even when the next firm was higher in terms of "prestige". I think the story just makes more sense, I've seen similar with people getting hired around me. 

That said, if you are going from AM to development, that is not a real 'lateral' that's a semi-career shift (I think you mean, if not development, should I lateral within current field??). I would try for leveling up if you stay in AM, you may actually find a better reception with the firms you apply to. As they say YMMV, but there is a reason why 'laterals' don't always work out as desired.  

 
Most Helpful

I didn't necessarily lateral, but I switched from Credit to Production. I work in lending. I knew I wanted to get into a client-facing role and was able to sell that during the interview process, which you'll need to be able to do as well. As redever put it - You're more so doing career shift, so you'll definitely have to sell yourself since you won't be a plug and play employee when hired

A couple things:

  • Transitioning your career now will be tough, due to the job market. There are tons of applicants for everything, so you really need to be patient. With that said, some developers may be in need of experienced Asset Managers for obvious reasons
  • Even during a normal time (say this time last year or the year before), you still need to be really patient. Transitioning your career in any way is a serious move and you want to make sure you're not doing yourself a disservice by hastily accepting an offer just because it's in the field you want but not necessarily the right shop or position
  • It's ALWAYS easier to get a job when you have one. I recommend taking your time and networking while your employed as opposed to leaving and then looking elsewhere
 

If you didn't leave on your own terms - Meaning you were fired or let go? That's your call. For me, it would depend on how much traction you have considering the current market. if you're getting a ton of interviews and interest from great companies, I wouldn't jump at an opportunity just to reneg and or go somewhere else after 6 months.

From what I hear, there isn't a lot of that happening right now, though. If I were let go and a comparable role was offered my way, and I wasn't hearing back from other companies, I would probably take it. This type of decision is very situational though  and we don't know all the details of your life and career, so take what we're saying with a grain of salt 

 

I agree. I've been there - Opportunities start to look really great when you want to jump ship. I definitely recommend taking your time networking and being patient with the search, especially if you have 4-5 years at your current firm. That's a great position to be in, versus leaving for another role and being there for a year or two and realizing it wasn't what you wanted either. 

 

Definitely agree with weaksaus. Patience will be key. Development jobs aren't as plentiful as they usually due economic conditions. I honestly think best way to make your transition to real estate development will be to network. It's literally the only reason I've been able to work in multifamily market-rate, student housing, and now affordable housing development. You want applying on-line to be a formality if at all possible. Good luck on the move!

 

Voluptas aspernatur quo fugiat repellendus doloremque. Tenetur tempora porro hic debitis illo. Harum dolorem a facilis veritatis facere aut.

Ipsum eum totam a. Possimus odit architecto sit illum quis nulla aspernatur porro.

Nisi aut dolorem et et nesciunt nostrum corporis. Quae numquam et ut deserunt voluptatem. Voluptas odio omnis iste quia quos. Dolorem voluptatem quidem corporis tenetur quasi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (67) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
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...”