Choosing between first job offers

Hi everyone! 
 

I’m currently an undergrad senior and recently received two very different job offers. One is from a reputable asset management firm (Invesco/PIMCO/BlackRock) as a product analyst, and another offer is as an investment analyst at a fast growing small PE secondaries shop (1.5B AUM). 
 

In the medium term, I definitely want to be in investment research at a well-known buy-side company. Some decision factors and key questions I’d like some insights on are:

1) Would it be impossible to be recruited as an investment/research analyst after being a product analyst for the first 1-2 years? If it is possible, what does it take (i.e. CFA?)

2) What is the exit opp from secondaries? What is the transition like going into buyout or just other investment management firms? I know for sure I want to do investments, but I would hope that I won’t be “defined” or stuck in a specific niche sector (secondaries). 
 

Some context: I am international and coming from a non-target school, so I’ve definitely learned the importance/credibility from having a reputable brand name. 
 

This is my first post ever on WSO, and I will really appreciate any thoughts and insights! Thanks in advance!