Changing Career - From Outside Sales Associate to PE/IB

Hello.

To elaborate, I am making great effort and investment in myself for a change and start my career in PE. I understand that moving into PE without industry experience is a big reach, and that I likely will need to earn-my-stripes in a IB position or similar before I am a highly valuable resource for a PE firm.

My background is not traditional. I am coming out of 5+ years of experience as an outside sales associate for luxury architectural products. My experience has put me in the position of working with Founders and Presidents of their respective companies/businesses, as well as selling direct to homeowners (which often were wealthy investors and industry C-executives, whether in RE, Finance or other).

I have made the investment to go for a Graduate Certificate in Finance at Columbia University, which I will complete in 4 weeks. I am also completing the Premium Package from Wall Street Prep which includes financial and valuation modeling, DCF, M&A, LBO, and others, for greater preparation and mastering skillset needed.

I am in the job market, which Summer is a tough time to be looking, and am seeking advice from current and seasoned professionals in the PE industry about how I can get-my-foot-in, and work hard from there??

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Cheers, Charles