Transition to IB Analyst from Structured Finance

Hey Guys,

I'm 27 years old and currently work in structured finance at one of the big 4 where I've been for four years. I moved to Manhattan with the firm earlier this year and I'm interested in making a move to IB.

My first thought was that I should look to apply as an analyst as that's where I'll be most competitive and I don't have the exact experience necessary for an associate role. Is it common for banks to consider experienced hires for analyst roles? If so, would the timeline for such a transition be the same as for undergraduate hires (i.e. look to apply this fall for a position next fall)? Do banks post analyst positions on their websites for "cold applications" for experienced hires or would I need to network especially hard to even get in the loop for those positions?

I think I'd be competitive for an analyst position - CFA Charterholder, lots of financial modeling/transaction experience through my current job,good gpa albeit from non-target - but I'm a bit unclear on the best path forward given this unusual career development.

Any thoughts/insights would be greatly appreciated!