Switching from an Investor Relations role to ... ?

Hello everyone,

I'm excited to make my first post after several weeks of lurking!

Recently, I've been contemplating my career trajectory and am interested in exploring my options. Here's a brief overview of my background:

• I'm a CFA charterholder.
• I have 2.5 years of experience in Treasury & Corporate Finance at a large public retailer in Canada, working as an Analyst. My role involved hedging the company's FX and interest rate exposure, managing the US commercial paper program, and reducing interest expenses by swapping US proceeds to CAD proceeds to earn a spread.
• I transitioned to a role in Investor Relations at another one of Canada's largest retailers. Starting as a Senior Analyst, after about a year and a few months I am now on the verge of a promotion to Manager.

While I intend to accept the promotion to Manager of IR, I'm curious about opportunities outside of corporations thereafter. Are there possibilities for me at a buy-side firm, assuming I am proficient in financial modeling? Would I likely have to start as an Associate and potentially take a pay cut?

I would greatly appreciate your thoughts on this.

Best regards,