35 years old, finance and petroleum engineering - where to next?

Hi all,

I’m looking for some career advice and would really appreciate any insights

I graduated in Southern Europe (EU citizen) with a double BA in Finance and Corporate Law (mediocre GPA, regional semi-target). I started my career as a TAS consultant at one of Big 4 firms, and after a few years, I joined a leadership development program at a regional oil & gas company (Global 500, but not a supermajor). Over the years, I moved up from FP&A to Corporate Development and eventually landed the CFO role at one of the company’s portfolio businesses.

Ironically, after a few years, that portfolio company was sold, and I found myself back in CorpDev (as a senior manager though) and shortlisted to be placed as CFO for the next portfolio opportunity (which could be in years). However, the pace slowed, and I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream of pursuing a Petroleum Engineering MSc (I’m sure others in O&G would understand why that makes sense).

Now, as I’m about to graduate next year, I’m at a crossroads. Should I return to CorpDev, possibly at a new company, transition into financial services or consulting? My ultimate goal is a senior leadership position at a portfolio company, a PE-backed company, or an independent operator. I’ve applied to associate roles at energy-focused funds and IB teams (to later transfer to a fund), but haven’t received much enthusiasm. Supermajor O&G firms too tend to hire few laterals, and my attempts in that direction were quite meh. Consulting firms though do like my background.   

What do you think would be the best next step for someone with my background? Not sure MBA helps since I'm based in EU/UK. Also networking hard but didn't get any meaningful results. 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts