Is it possible to transition from Audit with ACA at Big 4 to a role in Consulting or Banking (Equity Research, M&A)?

Hi,

I am currently working as an Audit Associate at a Big 4 firm in the UK. I have a master's in Finance from a target school in Europe, cleared CFA L1, and currently studying for the ACA certification as a part of my job. I have working as an intern in management consulting for 6 months before starting this job.

As I graduated during Covid and required a visa, I had few options available and had to be realistic and take what I could get. I would prefer to move to a consulting or banking role in near future. In this regard, I have a few questions.

What should I be doing to improve my chances?
Which roles, firms/banks etc. are likely to hire someone with my background? What should be my target in networking and job applications?
How should I network effectively? Is going to networking events a good way to know people? If so, any recommendations?
Which roles are more accessible and how to stand out?
Should, and if yes, how should I contact recruitment consultants?

Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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