Considering a career transition to IB with a non-finance background

Hello everyone. I did a BA in Journalism from a non-target school last year, and am currently working as a Marketing Supervisor at an e-commerce brand. I am 25 right now, and am planning to enroll in an MS program for Finance in Fall 2026 (most preferably at UPenn, or Baruch College, as I am running tight on budget). As of now, I am preparing for the CFA Level I exam for August 2026. But in the time gap between now and next fall, I want to gain some valuable experience (certifications and internships) that can make me stand out once I start looking for jobs after finishing grad school. 

I know this is a challenging situation and that IB is an extremely competitive field when it comes to recruitment. But rest assured, my key focus right now is to get into networking circles, gain foundational knowledge about finance, and possibly gain work experience, all before I can start attending grad school next year.

I am hoping to apply for some internships (fingers crossed that my non-finance degree and age do not become an obstruction for hiring managers)

For a novice like me, what type of certifications and internship role would you recommend? Your insights will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.