Corporate Development Offer- Should I still Try for IB?

Hi Everyone,

I interviewed with an F500 and got an offer as a Corporate Development Transaction Analyst- apparently the work involves pricing and shaping engagements, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, etc. I'm coming from B4 Audit and was originally looking to get into IB with a long term goal of VC and business school along the way. I took this interview because I wanted to learn more about the work and it seems interesting and that I would pick up a useful skillset. I don't have any banking offers, but now that summer is here I can ramp up the time I put into networking and getting a banking offer. Of course, the issue is that nothing is guaranteed. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush and I could not get a banking offer at all and be stuck in Audit for even longer. What would you do in this situation if you were me? Any input/help is appreciated.

Thanks!

-Otto

8 Comments
 

So when you are in the corporate development role you won't be able to network anymore?

Take the position. It will give you some experience that can be useful towards IB. Also, worst case scenario, would you rather be stuck in corp dev or audit?

make it hard to spot the general by working like a soldier
 

No, I'll still be able to network- I specifically meant to with the intention to get into IB roles. I've been in Audit for less than a year so I feel like I'd need to stick to this corp dev role for at least 1.5-2 yrs or so to avoid the "job hopper" label

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

Good point. I also have an outstanding offer from a startup in the area as well in a biz dev (sales) role. Pay is a little more than half the salary of the corp dev gig, but there is equity involved.

@BankerC159" : I've thought about that as a possibility as well. I feel like I'm going to get my MBA no matter what, so going straight into VC would be a God send. It would definitely be an uphill battle and take positioning but it IS possible.

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 
Best Response
"OttoReadmore"

Good point. I also have an outstanding offer from a startup in the area as well in a biz dev (sales) role. Pay is a little more than half the salary of the corp dev gig, but there is equity involved.

@BankerC159 : I've thought about that as a possibility as well. I feel like I'm going to get my MBA no matter what, so going straight into VC would be a God send. It would definitely be an uphill battle and take positioning but it IS possible.

Depending on the mandate given by the exec team of the company, you maybe able to work on some "VC type" projects. So maybe that's a good follow up question you can ask the team.

 

I have my interviewer's email- definitely going to be asking about the type of projects that I can be staffed on. Thanks for the suggestion!

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there" - Will Rogers
 

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