Comm'l Banker (CF Dept) Now: IB/PE or PE Straight (if I can squeeze)

Hi All,

Been mostly quiet but am impressed with and have grown to respect the users on this site (thanks Pat), mainly the willingness to help one another thru counsel -- I've learned a ton and appreciate it.

I'm a financial analyst in Corp. Finance dept. at a Bank-Holding Co. (Comm'l Banks) and want to go IB/PE or straight PE. Have previously traded in PWM (~$100MM AUM - Midwest region) pre-MBA. I'm super competitive and bored and want to experience the live action of deals. Ultimately I want to "coach" and help companies grow via PE. Former college athlete with an MBA from a non-target.

I understand (from what I've read here) there's more exit opps out of IB and am somewhat risk-averse considering my career. PE then possibly HF later (trading again sounds fun). What's the best path if you're not 100% sure on the end goal? - CB --> IB --> PE.... or... CB --> PE (if I can swing it)

Thanks for reading. Any thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated.