A career in fundamental research (L/S strategy)

I am an international and a rising sophomore trying to recruit for IB roles from a low semi target. I came across fundamental research roles at HFs and read quite a bit some people's experiences and about day-to-day tasks people in this industry and think it's something I want to do one day. How can I best position myself as a sophomore for this role right out of undergrad? Should I try to learn more about investing by just reading books or should I network simultaneously as I prep for IB? I'm targeting single PM HFs but I might be limited as an international

Any insights from people that have gone through the process would be really helpful