Credit Research to Private Debt / Direct Lending

Hi everyone,

I am currently working as a Credit Research analyst for a very large family office. We invest on global bonds industry generalist. We tend to invest mainly on investment grade and crossovers bonds, but we do some high yield on opportunistic basis. The analysis is fundamental-driven, relative value, focused on downside protection. I give bond recommendations to the fund portfolio managers.

While I do enjoy my job, I am thinking of moving to private debt / direct lending. I have noticed that many private debt jobs require M&A, strong valuation modelling skills or restructuring knowledge. Do you think the move is doable.

Background: I am from a top European b School. Working in London. Previously did a 6-month internship M&A at elite boutique, but as an intern I did not develop modelling skills (powerpoint monkey).

Any input much appreciated. thanks

 

Can I ask you guys, why you’re contemplating this move?

Looking from outside, working in research should be more rewarding than corporate lending and there are some threads on this forum that talk about the progression being Credit analyst -> credit research analyst on sell-side-> credit research analyst on buy—side.

From your experience, is it still a viable career path?

 

Aut porro id voluptatem omnis ipsa praesentium. Sit eius ipsa ut consequatur voluptatem laudantium omnis. Doloribus id facere temporibus voluptatem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners New 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 01 98.3%
  • Harris Williams & Co. 24 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.9%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.9%
  • Perella Weinberg Partners 18 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 16 97.7%
  • Moelis & Company 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (21) $373
  • Associates (92) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (68) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (206) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (149) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.8
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”