Jason - There is one thing you forgot to mention in this article and that is to be a White male. I have earned my MBA from one of the top-ten B schools and am also a CFA charterholder, yet I couldn't find a position as a research analyst despite having done all the things you mentioned above. Currently 93% of research analysts are White males even though they represent only 65% of the total applicants. If you are not a White male, your chances of being hired as a research analyst, even if you have a degree from one of the top B schools and an industry-leading credential such as CFA, is less than 20%.