Credit Investing -> Growth Equity Post MBA Feasible
Credit investor looking to pursue an MBA and am unsure of how feasible it will be to make the jump to growth equity afterwards.
On one hand I have prior investing experience and on the other I’ve never led a deal from start to finish. I develop and pitch ideas to IC all the time but realize there will be certain elements of the job that I’ve never done before.
Background:
Non Target UG with Degree in Finance
Target School for Specialty Masters (MSF/MS in Econ)
WE:
Founder of Social Enterprise Business (2 years):
Mildly successful and I was able to make impact investments in emerging markets that had some similarities to growth equity (declined FT BB IB offer to do this and paid bills at first by playing poker)
Mid Sized Credit HF (1.5 years):
I started in a converts group so it wasn’t strictly credit investing that I was doing.
Large Credit HF (1 year):
Leveraged target school degree to land at a name brand fund looking at leveraged loans.
Mid Sized Credit HF (2 years)
Things weren’t working out at the large fund so I went back to the shop I joined before business school and split time between leveraged loans and supporting old PM in converts who I have a good relationship with.
EC’s:
Have some interesting research projects under my belt.
UG Thesis that was published working with AMD/Nvidia execs to solve a business problem.
Masters thesis working with DeepMind/Neuralink executives that was not published.
Board member of startup that I helped raise several million dollars for
Won a few high stakes poker tournaments
Target Programs:
Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and Booth.
Does this seem like a feasible path?
I know it won’t be easy but I feel like I have the raw skills to be successful in growth equity.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, your background and experience seem quite impressive and diverse. You have a strong foundation in finance, a unique entrepreneurial experience, and a solid track record in credit investing. These experiences, coupled with your extracurricular activities, make you a strong candidate for an MBA program at a top-tier school.
Now, transitioning from credit investing to growth equity post-MBA can be challenging but it's not impossible. Here are a few things you might consider:
Leverage your MBA: Top-tier MBA programs like Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, and Booth have strong networks and resources that can help facilitate this transition. They often offer courses, clubs, and networking events related to private equity and growth equity.
Highlight Transferable Skills: While credit investing and growth equity are different, there are transferable skills such as financial modeling, due diligence, and investment analysis. Make sure to highlight these in your applications and interviews.
Networking: This is key in making such a transition. Start building relationships with professionals in the growth equity space. This could be through alumni networks, LinkedIn, or industry events.
Internships: Consider doing an internship in growth equity during your MBA. This will give you practical experience and could potentially lead to a full-time offer.
Understand the Industry: Growth equity firms typically invest in later-stage, high-growth companies. Make sure you understand the industry, the types of companies they invest in, and the investment process.
Remember, it's not going to be a walk in the park, but with determination, the right strategy, and a bit of luck, it's definitely achievable. Good luck!
Sources: Q&A: VP in Private Equity (Growth Equity + LBO)...Post-MBA...Formerly IB Analyst, Ask me anything - Non Traditional Background to MM PE to H/S/W, Growth Equity vs. Investment Banking for Undergrads - Thoughts?, From CEE Growth Equity to London-based Growth Equity with non-traditional background, Q&A: I’ve held Pre-MBA MM LBO, Growth Equity and Venture Capital investment roles for funds with $500M+ AUM to $5B+ AUM
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