Top Quant Masters Candidate: which near-term "Path" makes the most sense?

I recently got accepted to a top ranked FinMath/FinEng masters program and want to work as a buyside quant researcher or analyst when I graduate in 2-3 years (not necessarily at a "top" firm; very open to smaller/boutique HFs). My masters is being done part-time so I'll still be working until then. My question is, what would my work-time be best spent on until then? I'm about 5 years out of undergrad and have a background in data analytics and corp dev M&A. My current role is a hybrid of these two functions at a tech company. Should I:

1. Stay at my current tech company and double down on more analytics + data work & corp dev deal work
2. Lateral to a higher-paying / better title role at a different tech company that focuses solely on data science + quantitative business analytics
3. Pivot to a VC (using the startup operator + M&A deals angle) to gain some full time "investing" experience
4. Attempt to land a more "junior" quantitative research/analyst role at a hedge fund, asset manager, crypto fund, bank, etc over the next year or so after getting a few completed classes under my belt (I've seen others do this before; while still in the middle of school)

Any thoughts on the pros and cons of these four possible paths would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!