Game Plan: MSF vs. CFA? New Job? Internship? Help

Background: May '18 grad with degree in Economics/Business Data Analytics. Currently working as an Acquisitions Analyst at a small real estate firm.

Goal: Break into IB or PE.

Plan: Continue working this job while learning modeling/technical skills on the side, start MSF in Fall '19 (Top choices Utah, UC Irvine, Arizona State). Network while in school and land finance job upon graduating.

Questions:

  1. Is MSF the way to go here or should I go with CFA instead?

  2. If I go with MSF, should I get a more finance-oriented job in between now and master's program? If so what are some good options with my experience? Would an internship be the move?

  3. Any other advise?

Thx

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