Corporate Development -> M&A Consulting?
Hello all. I was hoping I could get some advice from you on the chances of getting into M&A consulting from my current position in Corporate Development.
Some background:
4 years out of undergrad
Went to semi-target with 3.7 GPA
Graduated in 2009 – not many people were hiring, so went to work in corporate finance (asset planning, back-office) for a Fortune 500. After 2 years transferred to Corporate Development and have been actively involved in deals/taken over lots of responsibilities.
So my questions are:
1. Can I get into M&A consulting directly now from Corporate Development?
2. If that is unlikely what can I do now to eventually get there (i.e. try to get into an ibank for 2 years, MBA + CFA, etc)?
3. Do I have a time limit before I get too old to enter?
I know Corporate Development is a pretty good gig as far as corporate finance goes, and I am actively looking for new jobs right now to try to get into Oil & Gas (I’m in Texas); Are there any positions I should stay away from that are a waste of time (corporate planning, reporting, etc)? Are there any building block jobs I can get to increase my chances in the future?
Thanks a lot for your help!