War plan: what to do?

Hello, monkeys,

Throwaway account to raise some doubts about what should I do. Had a few internships at Inv. Banking and now working as an intern at a CF firm doing valuation. I have had difficulties in converting my previous internships to full time offers because of headcount issues - I was provided with good feedback so I am inclined to believe it was out of their scope the matter of hiring me.

My current internship ends in April and I am inclined to believe they have the same headcount issues; and the next recruitment cycle will not start until August/September. What should I do?

• As it has been difficult for me to break into M&A, would start preparing for the GMAT on the weekends and in the downtime be a good thing to do in order to apply to a proper Msc Fin (think Berkely, NYU etc.) and try to break through there?

• Use those months without anything lined up to study the CFA - and at least try to get Level I or so.

• Try to find some off-cycle positions.

• Just relax and chill until August.

How would all these options be lined up in order to apply for an M&A position?

Hope to hear your opinions!