Project Finance -> MBA -> IB?

Ah, the classic maneuvering through the high finance jungle! Your path from Project Finance to MBA and then aiming for infra/power advisory with an eye on infra PE is not just a flight of fancy; it's a well-trodden path by many who aim to pivot or elevate their careers in finance. Let's break it down:

1. Project Finance Experience: Your current role, even at a lesser-known European bank in NY, is valuable. Project finance, especially in sectors like infrastructure and power, equips you with a deep understanding of complex financial structures, risk assessment, and the management of long-term projects. These skills are highly transferable and sought after in both advisory roles and PE, particularly within the infrastructure domain.

2. MBA as a Pivot Tool: You've hit the nail on the head here. An MBA, especially from a top program, can act as a powerful lever to pivot your career. It's not just about the knowledge gained; it's the network, the brand of the school, and the recruitment opportunities that come with it. As mentioned in the context, an MBA is seen as a "career reset button," allowing you to reposition yourself for roles that might have been out of reach or to make a significant shift, such as moving from project finance to advisory or PE roles in infrastructure.

3. Infra/Power Advisory Post-MBA: Post-MBA roles in infra/power advisory are a logical next step. Advisory roles would allow you to leverage your project finance experience while deepening your expertise in infrastructure and power sectors. This experience can be incredibly valuable, providing insights into deal structuring, due diligence, and strategic consulting for clients. It's a role that sits at the intersection of finance and strategy, offering a broad view of the market and the opportunity to work on diverse projects.

4. Transition to Infra PE: The leap from infra/power advisory to infra PE is ambitious but feasible. Advisory roles give you a front-row seat to the deal-making process, albeit from a different angle. You'll gain insights into what makes a deal attractive to PE firms, the due diligence process, and how deals are structured and financed. This knowledge, combined with your project finance background and an MBA, can make you a strong candidate for infra PE roles. The key here is to leverage your network, especially the one you build during your MBA and in your post-MBA role, to find opportunities in infra PE.

In summary, your thought process aligns well with a strategic career path in finance. The combination of project finance experience, an MBA, and a stint in infra/power advisory could indeed set you up nicely for a transition into infra PE. Remember, each step you take builds on the last, enhancing your profile and making you more attractive to potential employers in the infra PE space. Keep networking, keep learning, and when the time comes, make your move with confidence.

Sources: Q&A - Infrastructure PE & IBD, Q&A - Infrastructure PE & IBD, Why Would Anyone Go Into Consulting?, Q&A: Engineer > PE > MBA > BB IB (TMT / LevFin) > Entrepreneurship, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/ib-pu-vs-infra-project-finance-teams-for-infra-pe-recruiting?customgpt=1