It's still possible to break in, in this economy

Hi guys, I usually read the posts here but rarely post anything. Long story short, came out of B-School a year ago. While in B-School, the firm I was going to be a Fixed Income Sales guy in blew up, so my plans were derailed a bit. But a year out, I finally managed to break in and will be starting later this summer. The below is what I think is useful to pursue a career in Sales and Trading (on the sell-side, but might apply to buy-side as well).

1. Get a job. Even though it's not in the Markets per se, if you can get a job in a respectable firm in any field in Finance, take it. Coming out of B-School, the thing that helped me in interviews is that I already had a job. You feel more confident, and people know you're worth something. It's like dating. Easier to get a girl when you already have one.

2. Use a targeted approach. When I reached out to people, I didn't say "I want to be in Sales and Trading etc.". I had an idea that I wanted to be on a certain type of desk, and so it helped when talking to people. Also, I knew I wanted Sales. At my age (28), people don't tolerate the "I dont care between Sales or Trading" or "Ill take anything" response as well. Also, and I think this is important, I think it's easier to transition into Sales than Trading after your MBA.

3. Study the Markets, and know your technicals. Also, know what you do presently. People dont necessarily ask you technicals, but trust me, you feel a lot more confident going into an interview, knowing your sh*t. In my case it was : duration, convexity, difference btw a credit product and a rate product, bond math, etc. But more importantly, know what you do at present. I have a job in lev-fin, and even though its not sales and trading, people asked me about it on interviews because they expected me to be good at what I did. They want smart capable people, because they feel they can teach you the rest.

4. Cold call like a mofo and don't get discouraged. The way I broke in is by calling people I didnt even have anything to do with. I just got their names through bloomberg and started dialing, emailing etc. The good thing about this business as opposed to mebbe i-banking (where there is more of a structure and hierarchy) is people appreciate b*lls. Frankly, there is very little downside, and tremendous upside. Even all the people who rejected me appreciated my hunger and now I have a network.

5. Thank all the people you interviewed with. It makes a difference. Period.

Anyway, hope this helps. It's how I did it. There's plenty of ways, but the above is what worked for me.