MBB to Corp Dev

I cannot comment on MBB to corp dev, but the general corp dev recruiting timeline is really firm-dependent. This isn't like FT IB (and what I imagine FT MBB recruiting is like) where firms have a set timeline and recruiting structure. I am happy to answer any questions you may have, but below are some answers to what you already asked:

• Commonality to move from MBB to corp dev: I don't know. I've worked in corp dev at two firms (one a F1000, the other a F500) and we had no former consultants. I have also interviewed at dozens of other firms and never saw a single former consultant. That being said, the skill set you gain in consulting is surely something that should be viewed as a strength. Your lack of modeling or M&A experience really should not hinder you at all. You will find that corp dev roles tend to value diverse experience, at least much more so than IB tends to.

• Corp dev recruiting timeline: you could be done recruiting in a month or have to wait six months. It really depends on who is hiring right now since corp dev does not have the turnover that IB has and since there is no structured process (e.g. two years and out in IB). My current firm put me through three rounds of interviews (HR, hiring manager, and super day) and extended me an offer in a matter of 45 days. I had another firm that was taking forever and just finished first rounds at that 45-day mark.

• I've tried going through headhunters and have not had any luck. I'll be honest in that I really despise the HH business model and how these people and their firms operate, so I'm definitely biased, but with your MBB background, you should receive plenty of interviews by just blindly applying online. If you know anyone at these firms, it's even easier. This isn't like PE where you absolutely have to go through HHs.

Hope that helps. Again, happy to take more questions. You're also welcome PM me in confidence, but it would be great if you asked questions here so others can benefit too.