Financial Analyst to Investment Banking

Hello all,

I am a recent graduate who is about to start a finance position at a Fortune 150 company. I am looking to break into investment banking at some point in my career and am looking for advice on the timing of my entry.

As for my background, I majored in economics at a midwest liberal arts school and graduated with a 3.7. I was an All-American and 2x Academic All-American basketball player. I had an internship on the asset management side of a top boutique investment bank going into my senior year.

My personal goal is to try and break in at the analyst level after two years, but I am not sure if this is a realistic goal, as I need to bolster my technical skills. I am currently working my way through Rosenbaum's investment banking book while also completing a WSO course. Do you believe breaking in after two years is a realistic goal? Or should I spend my time attempting to crush the GMAT, get into a top school, and then rebrand as an associate?

Thanks!

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