I am having substantial trouble landing that first BA position and, although I've read a thousand threads on the subject, I could truly use some good advice.

I have a BS in physics, a BA certificate from Villanova, and I'm currently stomping through the Masters BA certificate and  PM certificate from Villanova. My primary experience has been in astrophysics research and data mining, plus unviversity level instruction while in graduate school. Because of my having no experience as an analyst, I've been mostly applying to junior analyst or junior pm positions. I was, before the markets were crashing, getting about one phone-screen interview a week from companies but couldn't seel the deal.

One question you could answer is, how much $$$ should I be requiring? From what I know $35,000 is low and $50,000 is high, but that's a huge range, and I think we're on the down slope of the BA hiring cycle and people might be a little stingier.

Is it better to go into consultant firms that hire associate level BAs? Or is it wiser to spread effort around to recuiters and the main job search engines? (I'm trying both right now, but I've limited resources)

Are sites like Employment Crossing worth the cost, has anyone had success there?

All I really need to know is how do I get my foot in someone's door?

Vigilando, agendo, bene consulendo, prospera omnia cedunt!