When should I apply for SA and/or Summer Internships?

Hello WSO,

Long time lurker here. I will be transferring over to a 4-year university by 2019 as an incoming junior. I currently work full-time, and being trained as a Business Analyst at the company I currently work for.

However, these are full-time hours with some flexibility for class time and but I would need to leave the company for a shot in the industry.

My options are -

1. Stick to work/school until I am about to graduate, apply to SA/Internships so I can work post-graduation after school is done. I will have saved a lot of money by then and it will be an easier transition.

2. Apply for the next cycle (2020) so I will be interning during the summer before the start of my senior year.

3. Find/locate a boutique firm that will allow a co-op internship while in school and convert FT (I have reached out to a few firms and corporate groups already, waiting to hear back).

Thoughts? This thread will hopefully also serve those who missed the deadline and have more information about applying as well. So any contribution to this thread will help a lot.

Thank you!