4.0 GPA, taking CFA Level 1 in august, graduating in a month, no job lined up

I'm currently in my senior year of college at a non-target with a 4.0 and I'm scheduled to take the CFA level 1 in August. I want to work in AM, but due to my imprudence didn't start applying until a month before I graduate. Any recommendations and how to approach this situation. My ideal terminal role position would be a portfolio manager, and with that I'm looking for a place that I can learn the most in, which I'd imagine would be the top shops whose positions open up a year in advance. Is networking my only chance to get an attractive AM position or should I accept that I'll likely have to settle for less? Also, on a kind of side note, what roles would best put me in the position to become a portfolio manager? ER or just working my way up as an analyst at a fund? 

 
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Any internship experience? Assuming none, your best bet is to take one of the following (considering It’s likely too late to recruit ER/AM and, in addition, it will be tough to even break in without internship/extensive networking.):
1) Get a related finance role > CFA/MBA/MSF > SS ER > AM
2) Direct MSF > SS ER > AM (maybe CFA between SS ER and AM)

These would be the two paths that would lead to your highest chances of breaking in imo. However, I’ve seen ex-commercial airline pilots break in to ER so it’s always possible regardless of your background.

 

I was apart of the student managed investment fund for 2 semesters in which I definitely learned a lot from, however on a resume that won't stand out compared to a related internship. I also had a corporate finance internship this last summer, but not very relevant for AM.

I don't plan on doing MSF because of the cost, so as for "related finance role" what would you recommend? Any second or third tier firms you think I would have a shot at if I networked? 

 

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