I want to get into Asset Management, what should I do?

I’m currently working in a client-facing role at a financial services firm and gaining some good industry experience. My work is a mix of supporting client relationships as well as a lot of backend operational tasks like documentation, systems work, and data-related processes. It’s not exactly the area I want to end up in long-term, but I still find the work interesting and I’m grateful for the opportunity to get exposure to the industry.

My main goal is to eventually move into asset management. The problem is that it feels almost impossible to even get a look at those roles without already having very specific experience. My degree is in economics, but most entry-level asset management roles seem to want candidates who already have internships or direct experience in investment research, banking, or markets.

I’ve recently started studying for CFA Level 1. I know it’s not going to suddenly open doors or get me a bunch of interviews right away, but I wanted to challenge myself and also see if the material genuinely interests me and if this is the direction I want to pursue.

What I’m trying to figure out is the most realistic path from here.

Would it make sense to stay in a broader financial services role for a while and try to transition internally into something more investment-focused (portfolio analyst, investment analyst, etc.) after a year or two? I’m not in a rush and wouldn’t mind if it took 18 months or so before moving into something closer to asset management.

From the outside, it sometimes feels like asset management roles are stuck in a bit of a bubble that’s hard to break into unless you already started there early.

Curious to hear from people who have actually made the move into asset management from adjacent areas of finance.