Breaking into PE from Subscription Lending to PE Firms

All,

For the past few years I have worked at a commercial bank, starting out in its formal Credit Training Program then moving to Subscription Finance and moving up very fast. My day to day is working alongside PE/VC fund managers for all financing needs as well as making LP investments at the bank holding company level. 

I cannot complain about the job I am currently in (good pay, good management, etc) but I know I can do more and I want to - primarily into the secondaries side. 

I've read forums on how to break into PE from a commercial bank but wanted advice to see if my experience working alongside PE/VC funds could be leveraged to make it easier. 

There are a few options I am debating and wanted to see if anyone has experience or advice on the route to take:

1. Use my connections at my clients' firms to work there.
2. Directly apply to roles I am interested in with a hope/prayer. 
3. Work towards some sort of higher education to stand out more (CPA, CFA, or MBA). 

Any and all advice is appreciated, thank you.