Investor relations consulting to institutional equity sales - recent graduate

Hey everyone - I graduated in May from a non target liberal arts college. Found a position through an alumnus at a small investor relations consulting firm. I’m one of two junior guys there that doesn’t have years of Wall Street experience, and my boss who sits right behind me has a decade of sell side research experience and a few years at hedge fund. That being said it’s been a great learning experience, but I quickly realized this is where they all have gone to end their career in a relaxed environment where they can just shoot the shit all day. So for me, I don’t want to be in this position for the long term as my upside is pretty limited.

I would love to break into institutional equity sales. I wanted to get some feedback on best ways to make this transition. I’m not looking to make the jump immediately, as I want to make sure I’ll be ready for interviews and take some time to continue to network. Also I plan on starting the CFA soon.

Any insight would be appreciated on best ways to make the jump into equity sales, how I can stand out, prepare, etc. Thanks.