Here’s my sob story- The Long March towards IB!

I’m sure you guys have seen plenty of these stories! Apologies in advance!

Some basic details about myself:

• From UK

• 26 years old

• Family business collapsed during high school and A-Levels ———> lost home and made homeless but still went to school and worked a job part time and sometimes full time to help out financially. Never kept a penny to myself.

• Helped out further during school——> worked 2 jobs after school one at a fast food place and then another straight after at night cleaning in a supermarket. Not fun at all!

• The above impacted grades and went to University of Manchester and got a 1st class degree.

• Did a research internship at South African investment bank.

• Did masters in Financial Economics

• Got a job in Corporate Banking at a bank with no real IB department so quit after a year

• Now working at Big 4 Corporate Finance- Valuations. Still giving every penny to parents to help out!

Aim: To break into M&A at a bank or boutique.

What’s are the most viable routes to break into IB/boutique M&A from here?

I’m thinking of trying to get moved internally to big 4 M&A then jumping ship from there after gaining experience. Is that a good route to an IB/boutique?

Or should I apply for analyst positions at an IB?

Does age and too much experience even though not directly relevant disadvantage me to such a point I should just move internally to then jump externally?

I guess I’ll keep marching on....maybe I’ll make it one day or not!

Thanks in advance for all advice!