Investment Risk to ER

I’m working as a equity risk manager at one of the top asset management firms (BLK/ Fidelity/ AB) for 1.5yrs. Had found out that the jobs isn’t what I really want, and from the interactions I had with PMs, I think equity research is what I’m interested in.

A bit extra info about myself: went to top 10 school in US as undergrad, 3.6 GPA, CFA level 2 passed.

I’m more interested in Industrials / consumer types of sector for research. Currently working on some pitches on my own but just started recently, so probably need 1-2 more months to polish them.

I had two possible paths in my head: one is recruit directly with my pitches to both buyside / sell side. Internal is bit hard for me since the team is a bit over-hired at my firm. I am okay with year cuts, or even start from bottom again. The hard part is most my applications are not being responded, so just wonder if this is even feasible.

Second path is do an top MBA. I had my GRE out already (332 with 166 on both math and reading). Given my background I think I have a shot at the top MBAs like Wharton /HBS/Stanford. However, I’m a bit worried my background in non-fundamental finance would hurt me in MBA application, and wonder if ER actually would like to recruit an MBA with previous work experience as an risk manager.

Really appreciate the content from this forum and would love to hear some honest advice on the possible path to get to ER.