How to get into Corp Dev?

Hey guys, I have been doing some career research and Corporate Development is an area that piqued my interest. I'm currently in an unrelated field (real estate appraisal), so I wanted to ask how some of you got into corporate development and where would be a good place to start from a blank slate?

Comments ( 7 )

8d
chris_rock_got_smacked , what's your opinion? Comment below:

In my experience, some people come from an FP&A background, others IB , others equity research , and others just from the Finance/Accounting group within the same company. IB is quite clearly the best base, and depending on the firm, the CorpDev team will do a lot of work bankers do, especially modeling, profiles, etc. You can definitely lateral from something a bit unrelated, but I would recommend you a) network a bit with some CorpDev people to get a feel for how you fit in and then b) be able to speak intelligently about your skillset, and have a very concise way of explaining why it would be an asset to the team. Hope that helps.

  • 1
8d
crashpapa , what's your opinion? Comment below:

You can consider taking up roles in very niche sectors (such as Commodities, Healthcare and Maritime) and work towards an internal transfer. Certain companies/industries put a high value on sector knowledge over technical knowledge. I have a colleague who transferred into our department with minimal investment knowledge but could value add through other means. You can also consider joining a company that encourages internal developments and job rotations

  • 1
7d
EngagedbutLame , what's your opinion? Comment below:

All good suggestions above. Another possible route is to join a F500 rotational program, one that may bring you through the strategy/corp. dev group or just one that has a high level of visibility across the company (GE's program comes to mind). Those can be great jumping off points and they can provide you with a chance to see if there another area of corporate you might enjoy even more.

  • 1
41m
DC F , what's your opinion? Comment below:

EngagedbutLameAll good suggestions above. Another possible route is to join a F500 rotational program, one that may bring you through the strategy/corp. dev group or just one that has a high level of visibility across the company (GE's program comes to mind). Those can be great jumping off points and they can provide you with a chance to see if there another area of corporate you might enjoy even more. Just want to reinforce this approach as it is the approach I took as someone without IB experience. It may be the clearest, and most likely path.

2d
NuclearPenguins , what's your opinion? Comment below:

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