Business School Pivot to Infrastructure Investing/Finance in Los Angeles

Hi everyone,

I’m an incoming MBA candidate at a top business school (HSW) starting this fall. I have a background in engineering and project development (7 YOE) at both an O&G Supermajor and a VC-backed climate startup.

My Goal: Post-MBA role in Infrastructure / Energy Investing.

• Geographic Focus: I am strictly targeting Los Angeles for personal/family reasons. I am not looking at NYC or Houston.

The Question: Given my technical background in the asset class, is it realistic to recruit directly for Associate roles at large LA-based funds (e.g., Oaktree/Ares/CIM), or is a 2-year Investment Banking Associate stint effectively mandatory to learn the modeling?

I am weighing two paths:

1. Direct Recruit: Leverage my operational knowledge of the assets to bypass banking.
2. Investment Banking: Do 2 years to "check the finance box."

Any perspectives on how LA funds view "older" pivots (graduating at 32) with deep industry experience would be appreciated? Additionally, are there specific banks/groups in LA that would be most fitting for my interests should I end up going down that pathway?