MBA Private Credit Recruiting Advice?

Hey everyone,

I know the topic of pivoting to PE and MBA PE recruiting has been discussed several times on WSO, but I haven't seen nearly as much on PC, so I'm hoping to get some thoughts.

I'm starting my first year at an M7 MBA program and coming in with ~4 years of CIB (mix of large corporate and sponsor lending) experience at a MM bank. My program broadly places well into investing roles, but the recruiting process for post-MBA PC roles feels like a bit of a black box, especially for candidates trying to pivot without prior investing experience.

With my background, is a direct pivot into direct lending or mezz/junior capital feasible, particularly at UMM/MF platforms? Or would I be better off doing ~2 years at a top IB as an Associate before trying to make the move?

I'd also be interested in any insight into MBA recruiting for PC more broadly, since most colleagues I’ve spoken with seem focused on the private or public equity roles. Are Summer Associate internships relatively common? And for those who have seen people make the move from post-MBA banking, is recruiting after 1–2 years as an IB Associate meaningfully more straightforward?

Fully understand that breaking into an investing role without pre-MBA investing experience is difficult and far from straightforward, but I'd really appreciate any insight as I think through my next steps. Thanks!