Non-EU | S&T → LBS MFA → London IB/PE? Need honest thoughts on path + school choice

Thanks for the detailed reply! Really appreciate it.

A few clarifications and follow-ups based on your response:

1. On my background: I'll have 1 year of full-time experience in Sales & Trading (EM Rates/FX) at a BB in London, not IB. I understand this isn’t a direct match for M&A or coverage roles, but would this front-office markets experience still strengthen my case when recruiting for IB roles post-MFA? Would it help me laterally position into a stronger group (e.g., sector/coverage or sponsor-backed roles) with better PE exits?
2. On the general pipeline: Given my aim to move from S&T → LBS MFA → IB → PE, is this still considered a viable (if competitive) route? I understand that recruiting is random and competitive, but I'm trying to evaluate if the path is structurally sound or fundamentally weak, especially given my non-EU status and goals of working mid-to-long term in London.
3. On PE recruiting expectations: I fully understand that PE recruiting post-MFA → IB is extremely limited and would not rely on that happening directly. My intent is to get into IB first (ideally at a strong group/platform), work for a few years, and then recruit for PE at the associate level with that IB experience. In your opinion, does this route (especially starting from S&T) hold credibility with headhunters and PE funds in London?