pennyless

The analytical skill sets are indeed quite similar, but b-val folks are not viewed as "deal guys", so jump to PE and VC is kind of rare. The jump to research or AM is a little easier, but tends to happen after 2-3 years, not 5-7, because the experience you gain after 2-3 years isn't really a benefit outside of valuation and you would get hired as a staff grunt.

To be honest, you might find it difficult to make the jump to b-val in the first place. To come in at anything higher than a staff grunt, most firms will want direct experience and/or a book of business. Even at the staff level, most firms would likely prefer a recent grad who they can pay $45k and make work nights and weekends when needed because they don't have a spouse and kids to worry about.