Getting into Equity Research

Hi All.

I have a strong passion to get into equity research which stems from my MSc final year research report. I achieved the highest grade and really enjoyed working on it. I have also created a few research reports in my spare time and used modelling techniques to derive a fair value.

Current stats; worked in capital markets consulting for 2 years at a T1 BB bank through contracting. Recently made redundant due to cost cutting constraints.

1x Msc in investments (grad prize) and 1x Msc in management (full scholarship awarded to study at a university ranking #5 worldwide)
1x BEng (chemical engineering - 1st class)

Studying for CFA 1 - august

What would be the best route to enter Equity research? Does CFA help or would going for audit / accounting role and transitioning to equity research be the better option ? If the latter what kind of audit role should I be trying to go into?

Many thanks.