Career next step?

Hey all,

I graduated from a non target last year with a degree in accounting and accepted a role in alternative investment valuation at an HL, D&P, A&M type shop where I value a wide range of investments from private bonds, private equity, venture capital, and derivatives. It’s been great modeling/excel practice.

Ultimately want to end up in IB. That considered, which of the following options would be the most logical next step? 

- Transaction advisory associate at Berkeley Research Group

Would be doing quality of earnings analysis and other M&A advisory work for investment banks and private equity shops.

- Equity research associate at a well known global investment bank.

Focused on healthcare equities. Assist analysts in valuation and modeling of investments. 

- Corporate development and strategy analyst at a household name IT company

Assist in identifying targets for M&A transactions, perform due diligence, create M&A models

Thanks in advance for any advice! Whichever role I go for, I’d plan on staying for about 2 years before exiting to IB so I don’t label myself as a job hopper, given that I’ve only worked in valuation for under a year. I’m already getting a bit bored of it and am ready to exit toward something more strategic.

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