MM Analyst Looking to Lateral to BB/EB - Thoughts / Comments on Process?

Hello Monkeys,

I'm a 1st year analyst who just started at one of the top MMs and I'm looking to lateral to a BB/EB in a major US city (NY/SF). My reasons for lateraling are mostly related to exit opps (not just PE) and deal complexity/diversity. Question:

When should I start networking / talking to alums? I know most people start 6 months in and leave at the 1 year mark - is this still true during COVID? Most banks are pretty understaffed atm, but are they understaffed enough to give <6 month experience lateral applicants interviews?

If you've hired/interviewed laterals before or was a lateral yourself, do most people stick to the 6 month/1 year rule or have you seen people make the jump faster? I see tons of Linkedin job posts for analysts (not experienced just analysts) - will I even get looks if I apply to those?

Thank you in advance for your help.