How big an impact does having 1-2 years more or less working experience impact your job search?

Currently in an associate program at a large AM firm on the West Coast, pre-MBA. I have 3-4 years work experience so far and an offer for another year in my program. I plan on moving to a new company eventually, but I have been getting conflicting information on how likely recruiters look at you depending on how many years of experience you have. I am looking to do fundamental company research, preferably for a long-term, value oriented am/hf/family office.

Some say I should get out ASAP since a lot of my competition for an associate position would be from IB with 2-3 years, so I am technically already late. Apparently, after a certain number years of experience, recruiters won't consider you or will only consider you for a higher bar.

I've also heard that 4-5 years is kind of a dip and recruiting gets easier after 5+ years for whatever reason.

Has anyone heard similar things or had different experiences?

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