Breaking into ER with IB/Corp Fin internships and a top MSF

So I’m in an interesting position. I’ve had a 6 month boutique IB internship with some deal experience, and a F500 corp fin internship abroad in Europe. I’m headed to the top 1/2 MSF program in the US. 

After interning and networking heavily with IBD analysts, I realize that it’s maybe just not worth it to me. I need a life outside of work, and the salary is nice but I can make do with half the bonus if it means I can have a life outside of work. 

I had a high (3.8~) GPA in undergrad at a non target and have an offer to get started at a boutique portfolio/investment analyst and research internship during my MSF. 

equity research is something that sounds really interesting: I genuinely do enjoy researching public equities and have always been a strong writer (never minded essays, etc..), and enjoy statistics and quantitative analysis.

I know ER research opportunities are less in quantity than IB, but I feel well qualified and think in terms of later career objectives (corp dev), this would be a viable route. Aiming for west coast (SF) placement, and we have some alum in the area fortunately. 

do you think this is a viable route? Would IB/Corp Fin/Masters give me a leg up in recruiting?

 How should I strategically approach interviews and timing?
 

thanks!!