/biz/ - Business & Finance

I have accepted a job as a Customer Service Rep at a financial firm ($32k). I graduated last year from a state school (top 100 but meh) with a liberal arts degree (Economics, BA). I did not take my education seriously and thus, I am paying the price. I have since worked as an administrative assistant at a small business. I have done goofed.

My friend says to just hold my current position (pays $30k) and keep looking until I get at least a job offer of $45-50k. He is in a similar position but instead works as a glorified data entry person under the title "Processing Analyst" in a tax firm. He thinks I'm underselling myself which is true and his rational is there are always stupid people that are grossly overpaid - when I bring up the point that employers have so much leverage and people with higher qualifications are competing with us.

My goal is to work as an analyst, preferably in an investment bank. However, I just perceive working customer service rep in an investment firm (not bank) to be closer to my goals than my current (will be sponsored for securities licenses).

In short, he is making me regret my decision. Should I retract the offer and grunt it out at my current place (with no future) whilst applying for better positions?

What can I do to effectively network into the industries where I want to work in? Are there books, materials, courses, licenses/degrees/certifications I should shoot for?

Thank you