Need guidance on breaking into IB from a non traditional path

Hey everyone, I'm looking for some guidance on the direction of my career. I would like to break into investment banking or eventually private equity using IB as an entry/exit opportunity. I'm aware that my path is not traditional so I want some honest insight on what I should be doing right now. 

My background/Context

My early academic record wasn't great, I graduated high school with a 3.2 gpa and low SAT scores. English is my second language (German was my first), so I've always been a slow test taker. Because of that I wasn't able to get accepted directly into any target schools. After graduating high school in 2022, I enrolled at St Petersburg community college, a few weeks later my grandfather who was the father figure in my life passed away. He taught me how to invest in and trade a variety of securities at a young age which ultimately started my passion for finance and economics. My father was never in my life and also passed when I was 14 so this loss hit hard and I ended up withdrawing from my classes at the time and took a construction job. During this time I also launched a tiktok print on demand shop that did $47,000 in revenue during its best month before getting banned due to tiktoks strict guidelines. I tried to start more ecom brands but nothing worked. In 2024, I enrolled at SPC again, I was getting straight A's, and then hurricanes Helene and Milton destroyed my home. I had to pause school again to help my single mother rebuild and to take care of my grandmother who has dementia and barely speaks English. Over this gap in my education I feel like I have learned a lot and have decided on the career that I want.

Current

I'm 21 and currently in my first year at SPC again with a 4.0 gpa, enrolled in a transfer program to the University of South Florida where I plan to major in finance. I am also studying for the SIE which is a breeze and plan to take the exam early January next year. I'm extremely committed to breaking into IB and need some guidance and pointers.

Questions

1. Is it realistic to transfer to a better school (semi target or target) from community college after my AA? I'm aware that it's extremely competitive but I want to know if its worth trying or if I should should stick with USF
2. Would staying at USF hurt my chances at IB? Or could I use my close proximity to Raymond James HQ in St Pete to get my foot in the door?
3. What internships or roles should I be targeting right now in the Tampa Bay area?
4. Should I be pursuing more certifications/licenses?
5. What can I do right now as a freshman at SPC to improve my odds of landing an IB internship?

Any advice helps, I know that my background and even this post is messy and not the standard route to IB. But I'm disciplined, very driven, and willing to outwork anyone. If anyone can offer direction or pointers I would really appreciate it. 

Thank You