Bad time for getting into Institutional Sales

I'm a first year MBA at a top 20-25 school depending on the ranking source, but not exactly a target for S&T as the school is in the Midwest. I am trying to leverage the alumni network, blah blah...I have some retail brokerage experience and am familiar with the street. It seems as though sales desks are cutting back right now due to the current market conditions. Anyone (and by anyone, I mean someone with some familiarity of S&T, not just some idiot looking to make a witty or borish comment) have any advice?? Also, is this the worst possible time to get an MBA internship in S&T for the upcoming summer, or am I mistaken?? I would appreciate any relevant info/advice.