Consulting or Self-Funded Search Post MBA?

Hi everyone — I’d love some advice. I’ve caught the ETA bug. I’ve read all the books (Buy Then Build, HBR Guide, etc.), listened to every podcast (Acquiring Minds, Think Big Buy Small), and gone through countless case studies. I’ve been accepted to a T10 MBA program for next year and am waiting to hear back from nine others in December, including several M7s. My question is whether it would add meaningful value to spend a year in consulting after my MBA before launching a self-funded search. I don’t want to do it, but I could see the benefit if I landed at an MBB firm. For context, my background includes one year at a credit fund doing bridge loans right above the SBA threshold, two years in accounting, and the last three and a half years in lower middle market investment banking. My team typically works on deals in the 10–100M EV range, so I feel comfortable with the transaction process and the valuation dynamics of SMBs. I have a strong financial foundation, have been disciplined about saving and investing, and can self-fund my search. My decision is purely about readiness to lead — not capital constraints. When I begin my search, I plan to focus primarily on commercial services, niche manufacturing, and residential or consumer services. That said, I’ll remain industry-agnostic and open to opportunities across all geographies. Would a year at MBB significantly improve my ability to succeed as a small business operator, or would it just delay the inevitable learning that comes from being in the seat? If you believe consulting would add value, any suggestions on which teams to target? Thanks in advance for any thoughts especially from those who have gone straight into a self-funded search post-MBA or took a consulting detour first.