Investment sales analyst vs <1B REPE firm analyst

Hey everybody. I’d love to hear some opinions on whether it is best to start out as an investment sales analyst with a top tier/mid-tier brokerage, or to start out as an analyst at a smaller REPE firm.

For context: I am a student graduating in December. I know that at some point, I want to strike out on my own and act as a GP or purchase deals out of pocket (long way to go obviously).

If my end goal isn’t being a producer at the brokerage where I begin, would it be better to take an REPE role? I want to start at a smaller REPE so that I can gain experience with the type of deal that I would likely be pursuing in the future.

On the IS side, the high deal volume, increased networking opportunities, and the chance to see a lot of different deals getting done intrigues me. However, I am wondering if it would be more beneficial to start at a smaller REPE so I could get hands on experience in acquisition decision making.

I’d really appreciate any advice on the following:

-Which pathway do you believe would help me get a better framework for understanding the industry in general

-Which would likely lead to better exit opportunities in 5ish years

-Which path you would take

Thanks to anyone who takes the time. Appreciate yall.