27M | Columbia Econ, 2.2 GPA, $100K+ RIA Role — Is an Online MSF at Kelley Worth It for Equity Research / Hedge Fund Recruiting?

I’m 27, graduated from Columbia with a BA in Economics and a 2.2 GPA, and currently work as Manager of Operations at a ~$1B RIA, earning low six figures.

My goal is to break into equity research and eventually transition to a long/short equity hedge fund.

I’ve reached two Superdays for IB analyst positions at middle-market banks. Following those interviews, analysts and MDs told me my GPA was ultimately what kept me from receiving an offer.

I’m now considering the Indiana Kelley Online MSF to establish a stronger academic record, ideally graduating with a 4.0. I’m also pursuing the CFA, with Level I scheduled for February 2027.

My longer-term plan is to break into equity research, gain a few years of experience, and potentially pursue an T10 MBA as another route into the hedge fund industry.

My questions:

1. Would a 3.8–4.0 from Kelley’s Online MSF meaningfully offset a 2.2 undergraduate GPA from Columbia for ER recruiting?
2. Would a strong MSF GPA improve my chances at M7/T10 MBA programs, or would my undergraduate GPA remain a major obstacle?
3. Would I be better off skipping the MSF and focusing on the CFA, financial modeling, publishing stock research, and networking?
4. Is the MSF → ER → MBA → HF path realistic, or am I overcomplicating things?

I’m willing to take a pay cut to enter equity research. My priority is positioning myself for a long-term career in fundamental investing, not maximizing my current compensation.

Would appreciate candid feedback, particularly from anyone in equity research, hedge funds, or MBA admissions.