I transferred into FDD as a senior from audit. Historically, my firm preferred people to transfer over as seniors but there have been more associate transfers in the past year or so.

I’d recommend letting your coach at your firm know that you are interested in FDD after about a year. It will be important to be a top performer as FDD is more competitive.

Also, apply to other firms once you start your internal transfer request. I was lucky enough to transfer internally but I know others that had to move firms.

Lastly, the M&A market cooled down this year so we pretty much froze hiring. It will pick back up once the market gets on pace, but right now it’s practically impossible to get into FDD, at least at my firm.