Currently a 1st year analyst at a BB - how do I lateral to an EB?

Pretty much the question. Think low-tier BB in NY, not getting as much deal flow as I would like. People in my group are nice but exits to the buy-side are exclusive to just my sector and I've found that I just don't like it that much. Eyeing a switch to RX or just general M&A at an Evercore, Centerview, PJT, Lazard, Moelis.

I know everyone uses headhunters for the buy-side, but how do I network (and how early do I start?) Is it a function of grabbing coffee with someone (analyst, associate, VP)? I have friends at these boutiques but I figure a 2nd year analyst (separate question: will I keep my seniority in the move?) spot only opens up due to need. I also am not sure if open spots get posted widely on forums like LinkedIn, etc, for me to just "apply", per se.

Any tips would be appreciated. I am pretty risk-averse and not sure how to do this.

And if anyone's wondering why I want to keep doing IB:

• I feel like I still have a lot more to learn, just I don't feel like I can learn it where I am
• I eventually want to go to the buy-side, but just not within my group's sector

Why I don't want to graduate to a better BB, but move to an EB:

• Most of my friends are at EBs and from what I can tell, it fits what I want from my IB experience a lot better (more autonomy, tight-knit culture, more interaction with key decision makers)