IB in smaller banks

How easy is it to get into a smaller bank as an analyst or associate(assuming position doesn't really matter given that's it's a small bank)?Given the competition, scores of folks are going to be left out from breaking into BBs/EBs. Should they pursue smaller non-reputed banks with IBD opportunities given that they can also choose to switch to BBs later or should they look for other avenues that offer better pay in the shorter term than that IB opportunity at the smaller bank?Is switching to bigger banks later a prevalent and successful practice?