Career and Industry Change from Tech to PE/VC

Hello, I am a recent December 2014 graduate from a big school in the Tri-State area. I studied economics and have two minors in computer science and music, and finished with a 3.2, rounded down. Currently, I am a developer in the healthcare industry. I understand that I may not have given the industry at least a year's time, however I have spent a lot of time deliberating and decided that I would like to work at a PE/VC firm for technology companies instead. For those who will continue reading, I greatly appreciate any advice or constructive criticisms you can give me.

I have done internships on the tech side in finance and worked through almost every role in SDLC. Nothing has really grabbed a lot of my interest other than learning more about technology companies on a financial level, which is not what my job entails. I spend a lot of time reading the daily news and Bloomberg. I also scourge WSO forums for advice on career transitions, next steps, sub par GPAs, along with the miscellaneous topics like how to dress and the work life balance. I have a very big interest in the numbers behind investing in the technology industry.

There are a few things that have grabbed my attention in terms of how to completely break into the industry, much less at a PE/VC firm. There are a few draw backs to each though. This is just my personal analysis so I appreciate any other opinions and outside views.

- Get an MBA: The chances of me getting into the MBA business schools<br /> ">M7 are pretty slim with my GPA. I haven't taken the GMATs yet but I am already reading books on them. The cost of attendance will be high and I will have to quit my job for it. However, if I attend a Top 20-50, I can continue to work and do the degree part-time (and have the company pay for it) but it will greatly lower my chances, unless there are a few that beg to differ.

- Obtain CPA certifications: On a technical level, I think this will benefit me more than an MBA, with a significantly lower opportunity cost as well. However, I have read that most firms prefer to recruit from an MBA business schools<br /> ">M7 school so I think I have a better shot with an MBA. Plus, having an MBA may have a better impact in terms of future vertical movement.

- Cold Calling/Networking Events and Conferences: This is lowest on my list of possibilities for a few reasons. With my limited credentials and work experience, I feel like the professionals will take me as a joke. I am open to spending a day with a PE/VC professional in terms of shadowing to see if I like what they do however, how plausible is that?

Am I being too critical of what I should do? I am lost in terms of what is a good approach to breaking into the industry. There is no perfect path for everyone, but right now, I'm not sure which direction to go in.

Also, if there are any PE/VC professionals who will be attending the NoSQL conference on 10/6, I will greatly appreciate it if we can meet in person.

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