Options for Financial Analyst

I’m a 9 years veteran with experience in Sales, Business Development, Channel Sales and Strategy. I’ve performed in two leadership roles (start-up and turn-around success). Now, after taking up an assignment in an equity research firm as an Analyst, what are the options do I have going forward - (1) as I climb the ladder and (2) other options (apart from equity research/hedge funds).

Do you think IB (Valuation / IPO / M&A) can be an option?