Corporate M&A to banking

I am in a graduate rotation program at an F10 company. I first worked in a capital project analysis group and now work in M&A/ corp dev as a financial modeler. Through my experience in the M&A group, I am set on pursuing a career in banking. I understand that folks typically see corporate M&A as an exit opp from banking, but I'd like to make the opposite move. I've had good response rates on networking emails with banking or TAS people but can't seem to get any serious looks from HR. Background is non-target (3.4) with good internships and I've done very well at work- which helped me join the M&A group.

Any advice on the topic is helpful or anecdotes about those you know who've made the switch.

I am happy to answer any questions about internal M&A teams within large companies if anyone has questions.

 
Best Response

the reason you aren't getting responses from HR people is the simple reason that the HR groups of big banks suck. They are horrible. So just focus on connecting with bankers themselves, you will have a better shot with them.

Array
 

Also, figure out which banks really want to do business with your current employer but struggle to get respect (in the form of meetings or mandates), and pursue them, positioning yourself as someone who knows the internal politics, banker selection criteria, strategic objectives, etc.

No one is going to think that you'll magically land mandates, but in a toss-up between you and another candidate, you'll have an edge.

 

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