middle

I am currently working in Big 4 accounting(3 years experience, CPA etc..). I have an offer for an equity research position at a middle market firm(think Jefferies, Thomas Weisel, etc..). I understand this is a tough year and the market sucks but what is the normal pay and pay progression for an ER associate at a firm like the previous ones I mentioned? Thanks for the info.

As the standalone bulge bracket investment bank becomes a thing of the past, what will be the affect on the prestige and position of the dominant middle market banks (Lazard, HL, etc.)?

What are my chances at a top MBA program? I'm currently a senior at a ~100 ranked state school.

Projected Final GPA: 3.97

WE: I worked at a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. the summer after my freshman year (all expenses paid). For the summer after my sophomore year I worked at a mid-market commercial bank as a lending intern. I was offered a job from the bank that I'm thinking about taking.

Perks of resume: I'm graduating in 3 years with ease. The University pays me $5000 per year because of scholarships (National Merit, Byrd, etc..). The only EC in undergrad was one year as President of the largest student organization on campus.

GMAT: I'm a good test taker and made a 33 on the ACT in high school so I don't think 750+ will be hard to do.

Is it possible to work as a credit analyst in the middle-market lending group for a few years at a regional bank and jump to a top MBA?