[Advice Needed] Switching to IB from a different technical discipline

Hey all; this is my first post here. I couldn’t find much information on other people’s experiences switching to IB from a different field of study or discipline, so hopefully this thread could provide the grounds for discussion and advice.

I graduated with a Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree in the UK from a non-target school with a reasonably good grade. I pursued it further and completed my Masters degree in Pharmaceutical Development and Business management. At the end of it, I had applied and progressed through several stages of Big-Pharma graduate schemes. Unfortunately I just couldn’t secure a position within that field and found myself being pulled to the financial world more and couldn’t see myself sitting in labs all day. I always enjoyed economic and financial discussions with my brother whom works in a similar field, and decided to read books on investing, value investing and private equity.

I knew how, generally speaking, important accounting was in IB and in finance , so I secured a job as an accountant in training to get hands on experience for a year, and passed a few ACCA accounting exams. I found the theory and application of it satisfying and extremely interesting, but the role I had at the firm was limiting and mundane.

I conducted a good amount of research during my accounting job on future career goals, and kept coming back to investment banking each time. I’ve researched into the field for several years and built up a solid understanding about the ins and outs of investment banking, and I am confident behind my decision in wanting to pursue an analyst position at an investment bank here in the UK.

I paid to enrol on an investment banking centred course, which covered all of the technical background aspects to the role; LBO’s, DCF’s, WACC analysis, Bamsec utilisation, you name it it’s there. The content itself is more than enjoyable, and can see myself thriving in this area of work.

So my questions for those experienced in the recruitment process or field:

1. Will I be considered and stand a good chance securing an analyst role, despite not having an internship and with my different background?

2. If so, what position or other experience should I aim for in order to go on to secure an analyst position?

3. With my credentials, is it realistic to aim for the top 5, or just aim for boutique banks?

4. Is being 25/26 years old a big turn off for investment bank recruitment when applying for analyst positions?

5. What are the yearly application cycles like in the UK for analyst roles?

Any advice or feedback is appreciated.

Cheers.