Can I still break in?

Hi all,

I am currently a mid-level employee (VP/Director) at a boutique investment/merchant bank and want to be in the buy-side. I've been in the industry for a few years now (almost 8), and have been largely in merchant banking/investment banking. I did spend 2 years at a buy-side advisory firm, but I'm back at a merchant banking role currently.

Given how long I've been working, and the experience being in the banking side, what are my odds of getting into a boutique/MM PE? I prefer the buy-side for obvious reasons, but want front office at either PE/HF...

Should I spend my time networking my way in now, or is it too late?

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