<p>A bunch of small time banks that most people have never heard of (I'm not even sure if they are investment banks, I just typed in "investment banks st louis" and this is what I got). Is it easier to get an Ibanking job at a small investment bank? Does the pay drop down a bunch as well?</p>
<p>I'm pretty sure it's easier to get a job at a small boutique firm. However, the pay is often considerably less than those of the big bulge-bracket Wall Street firms.</p>
<p>I'm no expert, but I believe that i-banking in and of itself is pretty impressive. It won't guarantee admission to the top MBA programs, but it's certainly more reputable than most entry-level jobs.</p>
<p>Make sure you check out AG Edwards and Stern Brothers.</p>
<p>It is not necessarily easier to get a job at a regional firm. They have relatively few jobs, and they prefer people with contacts and experience in the region in which you will be working.</p>
<p>The pay will not resemble pay in New York, but senior bankers in the regions are doing quite well, thank you. Particularly on a cost-adjusted basis.</p>
<p>The work experience should be just great for business school. People in the regions work on smaller deals than the New York houses, but the process is all there, and the experience is all there.</p>