That having been said, the recent global economic events definitely bode ill for the Street. If equity markets dive further, which is ever more expected, you'll see a lot of investors switch to bonds, thereby leaving equity markets, thereby causing a drop in equity trading volumes, etc. On the other hand, if we see a drop in the dollar combined with an economic turnaround in Asia, US equities could become buoyant again. My plan is to become a full-fledged analyst in a year or two and have coverage of my own companies and sectors. Who knows, though, the idea of being a career analyst isn't bad.
Analysts get to travel and network more than the PMs.
Sounds corny but it works. Do your homework and research careers really well. I recommend making as many contacts as possible. The results speak for themselves. If you want something bad enough, you will get it.