Recruiting for Junior SA IB, in order to get FT HF/AM

Realized pretty late into the recruiting process that I actually find a lot of the more complex/difficult/alpha-seeking work in HF/AM (or maybe even S&T), specifically with multi asset, alternatives, and credit, to be a lot more interesting than IB day-to-day. 

I realize there's probably fewer exit ops, and maybe pay (in AM) might be at a cut, but I'm starting to think actually enjoying your work is probably important. 

Haven't really networked at all in the HF/AM space and don't know if it's the same case as IB where you NEED to recruit for 2027 SA (right now) in order to get an FT offer.

In any case, what's the best path for me into one of these more interesting roles? 

For context, I have a 4.0 from a target, did a boutique merchant bank (some investing, some advisory) internship freshman summer, will be doing a regional boutique IB internship for 2026. 

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