How to lateral

Starting as a FT analyst 1 in London at a low BB in their top group.

I don't want to stay in IB forever and already planning my exit. I know it will be extremely difficult to go straight to a UMM/MF fund from my position hence I have a plan B in mind which is to lateral to one of the top 3 BB. My questions are:

1) How would you approach this when it comes to applications and interview prep? All-in lateral or run a "dual track" top BB and PE?

2) To lateral - when is the best time to apply and how to network while being discrete? I know banking in London is a small circle and don't want to have a bad reputation within my team

3) Is it worth it to lateral to BofA/Citi? Imo the step up does not compensate leaving my team (which I really like) + the hassle of interviewing but curious to hear what you guys think

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