Non-Wallstreeter Looking for a Career Change

Hey All,

First time poster here, but I've been a long timer lurker! The information presented/discussed in the forums here has really helped me hone in on what I where I want to go with my career. I was hoping to get some advice on my situation.

Like the title says, I've been employed as an Internal Wholesaler with a large insurance company for 3 years now and make decent money doing it - 75-80k, but really can't see myself doing the whole External Wholesaling gig as a career. I took the job out of undergrad (finance).

I really want to get into Equity Research, portfolio management, or even PWM and am taking the Level 1 CFA® exam this Saturday. I'm also preparing my applications for MBA programs to enroll next Fall.

I really wanted to get a feel for everyone's take on the outlook for the next 3-5 years on the industries mentioned. It seems Equity Research is small now and somewhat shrinking, which is what I really want to get into.

Will the MBA/CFA® help me break into this industry? I'm having zero luck getting looked at right now, given my current work experience.

Any advice would be immensely helpful!

I look forward to becoming a active member on this site through my progression.