CS M&A vs. Lehman

I need a professional's advise and input regarding the questions and concerns that I am facing in the midst of changing careers. I greatly appreciate any input and advice. I am 30 yrs old and work in Res. & comm. finance for 10 years. Through the years I have gained very strong contacts. I am constantly being introduced to very high profile clients with high volume projects which I want to be able to take advantage of and put these deals under my belt and build a name for myself in this field. Most of these projects are in the Energy sector as I will explain.

what will I need in order to have a shot in getting trained by any VC, JV , hedge fund or Equity firm or any IB company? I know some of them might be out of the question. I noticed IB courses for $2,000, Im sure it's worth it but will I get hired? I am trying to look for the right industry firm/company that fund high volume projects like an Oil Refinery project, Or a Casino or even a Wind Mill, just as examples. I think I've had enough running around trying to look for people who work in these firms to help me fund these deals. I feel it's time I want to make the move and change my career and to go to work for a firm that does handle these projects.

I've heard of Boutique firms and I'm not exactly sure what they look for in a candidate either. The more I look into this IB side the more complicated it gets..VC's, JV's,Syndicates Don't know where to start to look for such company..!!

I am having trouble distinguishing the right position and name for this field or firm Involved who Invests or can Lend in such transactions/Projects and what it would take to get in these companies? (For example as a Loan Officer, You originate loans then take the application and let the processor do the verifications and so on..

This is what I am trying to distinguish if such model exists that will allow me to bring deals in, do my due diligence on preliminary materials may be that is missing on a deal and make it complete so the firm can fund it whether through JV partnership or VC, Syndications and so on... This is the biggest question that I have ever faced in my life and the answer can definitely change my life as I hope I will make the right decision to pick the right route for my new career.

Many Thanks to all the responses in helping me to find the right route.