Breaking into IB front office (M&A, DCM, ECM, etc)

Hope everyone is doing well.

I was just wondering how likely is it to receive an investment banking front office offer (something like M&A, DCM, ECM) from doing an off-cycle IB operations? Assuming I get the role, will this experience be able to help me land an IB front office role from another firm? From the discussions I have read on this forum, it is highly unlikely to change roles within the same firm so I'm thinking of applying elsewhere for the front office role after the off-cycle. I know it's better to ask after I have received an offer but I just don't want to waste unnecessary effort for something that will not be beneficial. 
Any advice or knowledge will be appreciated. Thanks!