Transitioning from Energy Trading IT to Energy Trading

Sorry for the long post in advance. Please offer any advice you have.

I have been doing software development focusing on commodities front office risk in Houston for 3 years. I have degrees in Comp Sci and Econ. I have a strong desire to become an energy trader, and I am looking for advice on the highest probability path to achieve this result. I would ideally like to stay in Houston, as my family is here, and the job market and low cost of living is a good combination.

Despite high stats (3.95 GPA, 750 GMAT), I have been unable to overcome the apparent experience paradox that is especially prevalent in energy trading. All jobs require experience, but how does one get the experience? A trading analyst role seems like the ideal starting point, but the few postings I see are looking for new graduates (especially from undergrad finance programs).

I am worried that if I don't do something now to start my career change, I will get stuck in IT and dread getting out of bed every morning. Taking the suggested path of working my way up inside a company all the way from IT to trader sounds improbable. I feel like I need something to swing the odds in my favor or just plain old luck (right contacts, right place right time, etc).

Does anyone know of a path forward for me without going back to school? If school is the best option, which school and degree (MBA, MSF, or MFE) would be best for being on track to become an energy trader in Houston?

I am intrigued with the new MSF program at UT Austin as it would only take one year. A part time program at UH or Tulane (Houston) might present an opportunity to continue working (always good for the bank account), but I am willing to go full time somewhere. An MBA might be the most traditional option, but it takes 2 years and most traders don't have them. I might be the exceptional case that needs one.

I have been told an MFE might be a good option for me by a couple of people, but I'm not sure that fits the Houston job market well, and despite being good at math, I would rather avoid any chance that someone might pigeonhole me as a quant rather than a trader.

Coming out of school, I think the trading development programs at Shell and BP would be good choices. There might be faster routes to getting my own book, but from what I have read here, they provide a really good pedigree.

monty09, you seem to be the resident expert on this exact subject. Can you or other shed some light on the likely correct path for me? Does anyone know of current job opportunities for my situation?

/end long post that probably could have been broken into several