Best jobs for IB/HF/PE rejects who want to give it a shot next year

Hi everyone in the WSO community,

Let me start by saying I really appreciate everyone's contribution to this website. It is an invaluable tool.
Knowing how valuable your time is I'll get straight to the point and keep it succinct.
Like many of us here I want to get into IB and eventually HF or PE, unless I can get into HF or PE without going through the standard IB.

Because of my background (which I talk about below), I think it will be hard to get a job even at a boutique IB. But I don't want to give up this dream.

I would appreciate it if you could give your opinion (in detail and in order) about which jobs are best for an IB/HF/PE reject, who by working and networking very hard could eventually make a transition into IB/HF/PE. Please take into consideration that an MBA MAY or MAY NOT come into the equation later on.

Based on my research, my list would go like this.

Investment Banking (BB)
1. Boutique IB
2. Sales
3. Trading
4. Prop trading
5. corporate finance in any big company
6. Private wealth management

Hedge Funds
1. IB (obviously)
2. Prop trading

Private Equity
1. IB
2. Management consulting (very difficult)

On the flip side:

Jobs to avoid at all costs:
1. back office jobs

I'm from a top 20 undergraduate program, majored in accounting with a 3.7 GPA. Also, I finished my degree in 3 years. The bad news is that I have been out of school for 7 years, mostly having worked in an entrepreneurial venture that was modestly successful. (Making about 50,000 in personal net income before taxes)

Thank you all in advance for your input.

 

industry -> MBA -> Greatness (either at fund who wants your industry knowledge or sector M&A)

"After you work on Wall Street it’s a choice, would you rather work at McDonalds or on the sell-side? I would choose McDonalds over the sell-side.” - David Tepper
 

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