How hard is it to lateral as a 1st year analyst now?

How hard is it to lateral as a first year analyst when banks are asking for somewhat of an experience? I'm not speaking about a BB or EB but smaller banks like Stiflel, SMBC, HSBC, etc. I've been seeing a lot of openings in these firms .

I'm asking because I've been reading stories of how lots of first years and second round analysts are quitting. Even if they want to stay in banking but move elsewhere, I'm guessing they're aiming for a BB, EB, or prominent MM since those banks have a good amount of analysts positions as well.

With proper networking, do you guys think it's possible that these smaller banks would consider taking a recent grad first year analyst?

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