Young CPA trying to make the move

Hello all,

I am new to the forum, so I regret if this topic has already been hashed over

I am 24 and a recent college graduate. I finished my bachelors in accounting in 2018 and have worked full time as a staff accountant for a large publicly traded company while completing my Masters in Accounting (I will graduate this summer).

I hope to complete the CPA by the end of the summer, and make that next step in my career. I am graduated from a large state school with a 3.4, but probably not a target school by most definitions. I am looking to move into an analyst role - preferably securities, M & E, private equity, etc. Has anyone else on here made the jump and could offer any advice? I know a lot of people discredit this route, but I am determined to make it work. Incredibly grateful for any feedback.