Is PE realistic at this stage?

Hello everyone,

Going to have to make a career decision at the end of the year. I work at a LMM/MM boutique that is industry focused (Not a joke of a firm but not a name brand). Before my analyst stint, I worked in Corp Dev at a large firm that was very acquisitive. Have been on a lot of live and closed transactions throughout both roles. I was told that I would be making associate this year along with another analyst in my class. I do not find myself wanting to leave my current role or displeased but do not find the work overly interesting for the long term. To make a long story short, I generally find looking at a transaction from the investors side more stimulating. How difficult would it be for me to move into a PE role at the end of the year? Would it make more sense to do a year as an associate and then recruit since im not coming from a big firm?