CorpDev -> HF?

Hi all,

Looking for some feedback/advice on opportunities to pivot into HF. Accept that I might need to go through banking or another channel to get there instead.

CorpDev/CorpFin background (4+ years) in Australia, with another 3 years previously in accounting. Late 20s. Energy sector focus, with experience across deals, valuation and financing. Reasonably strong Python skills, including BESS modelling and quantitative research. Would get wrecked in a quant interview, but can definitely hold my own without slamming the Codex help button.

MSc in Finance with near-perfect grades at a top Aus uni. Have a couple of working papers out on commodity markets and geopolitical risk, with some submitted for publication. Interesting results, but nothing groundbreaking.

Planning to take a career break next year to undertake another MSc in the UK at a top-tier university in Finance/Financial Mathematics. Partner is relocating and I want to take the opportunity to study at a top school for self-fulfilment / career progression. Will have UK working rights.

Looking to pivot from real-asset infrastructure into a more markets-focused role, ideally fundamental or quantitatively informed investment research.

A few questions:

1. Internships: How difficult is it to secure internships at smaller/mid-sized HFs during an MSc? I also have a 3 month window before the program starts. Should I start cold emailing now or wait until I've confirmed a UK university?
2. Recruiting: Should I bother applying for graduate programmes or focus on junior/experienced-hire roles? I worry that I fit into an awkward in-between.
3. Banking route: Will I realistically need to run the IB/ER gauntlet first if my eventual goal is HF? I work with IBs and lenders reasonably often in my current role and could leverage those relationships. Not scared of the work hours, just not too into IB.

Appreciate any feedback and happy to provide more context if useful.