Best Path to IB, IM or PE?
I currently work as a financial analyst for an F500 company, at the HQ level of one of the company's divisions. I'm 2 years out of college, degree in meteorology from a small school (figure that one out...forecasting weather, forecasting revenue, what's the difference?). I'm planning to apply for b-school within the next 3 years and my ultimate aspirations are either private equity or trading. Commodities are particularly appealing to me due to my background and the fact that I can leverage my degree to some extent when it comes to commodities trading.
Either way, how should I proceed over the next several years in order to position myself to move into such a job?
Should I continue with my current job, where at least I have exposure to general finance concepts, a good deal of responsibility, interaction with executives, etc and try to advance as much as possible before applying for an MBA, using my free time to study for the CFA, take finance courses (which I'm already doing through UC Berkeley Extension) and round out my profile in hopes of admission to a top b-school?
Should I try to land a position with a boutique or something of that nature? Is this a realistic possibility?
I gave a few connections I could pursue. One is the sole meteorologist for a BB and was my boss for two summers during an internship I had with his former company (before he moved to the BB, when he worked in government contracting). He mentioned that they may be hiring another meteorologist in the coming year as their commodities segment grows. This would at least get me in the door at a BB, but might be a long shot.
I do part-time meteorological consulting for a small IM firm right now, so perhaps I could knock on that door for something more permanent.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
