I'll preface this by saying operations vary significantly depending on the Division and Line of Business. The work is largely mindless, even for those with advanced degrees (think organizing conferences and taking notes...) salaries are low for the industry, and growth occurs at a glacial pace, in part because the company is struggling to grow into new areas and continues to do the same work for same clients year after year.
My best advice - Negotiate staff level/title and salary hard because once your are in, it's very difficult to move up. If you accept a junior staff position, be prepared to be in that role for at least 2-3 years. And be prepared for paltry wage increases. Before accepting, try to find a Linked-In connection in the company and have an honest conversation about whether they would recommend the job/company to a friend.
