An Internal Dilemma

Hi WSO!

I'm in a pretty unique situation and would love some advice

Ultimate goal: get buyside. PE, Corp Dev, HF etc. Not too fussed as still a rank amateur in this game

Current situation: I'm in an Asia-Pac nation currently a junior at a Big4 pure-play strategy, Eg. Strategy&, EY-Parthenon or Monitor-Deloitte

Key questions: Big4 Pure strategy vs M&A for IBD and eventual buyside role MBA offers strategy vs M&A

Hi wso, sorry to be a consultant above but gotta do what you gotta do.

My Dilemma is essentially this: I think MBA options are better from the current strategy role (looking at usual US colleges) due to their prestige globally, and the fact they are the "pinnacle" of the big4.

However, in apac the firms arent equally well recognised in all the nations they've set up shop. Part of me thinks being in an M&A team is going to be a better fit, and part of me thinks it's better known than these new brands to the buyside community.

I ultimately want to move buyside as mentioned, so the consulting experience is obviously a great way but only into PE and still plenty need IBD experience.
Moreover im unsure how plausibly I'll make the post MBA switch.

However, I think i can pull an internal move into Corp. Finance lead M&A which gets me transaction exposure beyond cdds and likely better facilitate a role in an IB team eventually. But it probably means I go in as a 2ya IF I network into a BB and starting at the rear of the world's ultimate shitpile so to speak. And then still have to do an MBA to get to an exec role somewhere

What's the view WSO?