Path to corporate PE post-MBA with only REPE experience pre-MBA

There has been some talk of breaking into PE post-MBA, the difficulties, and the advice given by the fortunate that have received offers in that route, but is it possible to transition from RE to corporate PE post-MBA? I am graduating my MBA at an odd time, in August of this year, and am looking to find somewhere at that time, which means I may be off-cycle, correct?

My background: 1 yr financial analyst at state university 2.5 yr Sr Corporate Strat Analyst F500 (Auto e-commerce Startup centric as I supported two startups they acquired in SF) 1.5 yr REPE in EU 1 yr board advisor of SaaS startup in EU, received $10M funding

I am targeting a early stage investing PE/VC that fits with more of my background. Because I don't have IB experience does it help if I do the WSP training program for interviews? I have a small amount of headhunters reaching out to me about PE positions, but my main experience is in the EU, as is my MBA, though I am a US citizen its difficult to get very far. In addition, almost all interviews I've had needed hires within 3-4 months.

How should I time my applications? Is there anything I should focus on as I don't have a banking background?

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