Exit chances after leaving Investment Banking early

Yes, you still have a realistic shot at corporate development or strategy roles, but the path is harder than it would be after a “clean” two- or three-year IB stint, and the way you approach it matters a lot.

A short stay in IB does raise questions for employers. Not because one year has no value, but because hiring managers will wonder whether it was a bad fit, a performance issue, or a lack of commitment. You can’t change that, but you can control the narrative. The key is to frame your move as a conscious correction, not an escape. Saying “the hours and culture weren’t for me” is understandable, but on its own it’s not enough. You need to clearly articulate what you learned in IB, how it sharpened your skill set, and why corporate development or strategy is a better long-term match for how you want to work and add value.

The second hard truth is that corporate development teams are selective and slow-moving, especially right now. Many roles are filled through networks or internal referrals, and a CV that looks slightly “non-standard” can struggle in cold applications. If you’ve mostly been applying online, that explains the low interview rate. For roles like corp dev, networking is not optional. You need to speak to people in the teams, ideally at companies where your prior industry experience is relevant, and make your case directly.

In terms of expectations, you should stay flexible. You might not land the ideal corp dev role immediately. Some people take an intermediate step, for example strategy roles closer to operations, internal M&A support, FP&A with transaction exposure, or even smaller companies where the bar is less rigid. Those moves are not failures, they are bridges.

Preparing mentally for a role closer to your pre-IB background is not a defeat either. In fact, combining your original industry experience with IB exposure can make you more credible than before, especially if you target roles where that combination makes sense.

So the short answer is: yes, it’s still possible, but it will likely take more time, more targeted networking, and a very clear story. Don’t panic, but don’t assume the IB brand alone will carry you. Focus on relevance, relationships, and showing that this move is intentional and forward-looking.

I agree with the previous response, and I’d add one more angle that’s often underestimated: level and expectations alignment.

With one year of IB experience after time in industry, some corporate development teams struggle to “place” you. You’re often seen as too senior for analyst-style corp dev roles, but not yet experienced enough for manager-level positions. That mismatch, more than the early IB exit itself, is frequently what slows things down. It’s frustrating, but it’s a structural issue, not a personal one.

What I’ve seen work well in this situation is being very explicit about what level and scope you’re targeting. Candidates who stay flexible on title, team size, and company maturity tend to get traction faster. Mid-sized companies, fast-growing businesses, or firms building out corp dev for the first time are often much more open to profiles like yours than very established teams with rigid hierarchies.

Another important point is how you position your IB year. One year in a top-tier group is still enough to show you’ve been through real deal pressure, high standards, and steep learning curves. Don’t undersell that, but also don’t oversell it. Be precise about what you actually worked on and how that experience is directly relevant to the decisions a corp dev team makes.

Finally, I’d encourage you not to see this as a step backwards if it takes longer than expected. I’ve seen many strong profiles take a slightly indirect route and end up in better-fitting roles because they stayed intentional rather than reactive. You’re not damaged goods, but you do need patience, clarity, and a strategy that fits where you are right now.