SA IB -> Strategic Finance -> M&A | What’s next?

Started my career with a SA stint in healthcare IB but didn’t convert to a full-time offer. Pivoted into a strategic finance / growth role at a healthcare platform and am now moving into corporate development at another healthcare platform doing ~20-30 acquisitions a year.

I’m 1 year out of undergrad but am trying to think a few years ahead about how to best position myself for long-term compensation and career progression. Is the optimal path to stay in corporate development and work toward Director / VP / Head of M&A? Or would my experience realistically position me for a move into LMM PE, a family office, or another investing role? Should I consider an MBA from a strong program to meaningfully improve those opportunities, or is it better to continue accumulating transaction experience?

I’m not really chasing prestige, mostly focused on maximizing long-term earnings potential while being realistic about what exits are actually attainable. Would appreciate perspectives from people who’ve made similar moves. Thanks!