Starting a career in the center of global finance is a thrilling endeavor. Morgan Stanley is a source of hope for individuals attempting to make their way through the ever-changing realm of financial services.
In this blog, we will reveal the secrets to securing a coveted position at Morgan Stanley.
From honing essential skills and educational pursuits to navigating the intricacies of the recruitment process, join us on a journey to discover the pathways that lead to the doors of this financial powerhouse.
Whether you're an aspiring analyst, an accomplished wealth manager, or a tech enthusiast looking to make your mark, our insights, and guidance will empower you to craft a compelling narrative that aligns with the ethos of one of the world's leading financial institutions.
Are you wondering how you can get into Morgan Stanley? If yes then read along to find out the whole procedure.
About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley, headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, is a prominent American multinational investment banking and financial services company.
Operating in 41 countries with over 75,000 employees, its diverse clientele includes corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals.
The genesis of Morgan Stanley dates back to September 16, 1935, as a response to the Glass–Steagall Act, mandating the separation of American commercial and investment banking.
Founded by J.P. Morgan & Co. partners, including Henry Sturgis Morgan, a grandson of J.P. Morgan, and Harold Stanley, the firm quickly established its presence.
In its inaugural year, Morgan Stanley commanded a remarkable 24% market share, equivalent to US$1.1 billion, in public offerings and private placements.
This historical context underscores Morgan Stanley's evolution into a financial powerhouse, shaped by regulatory changes and strategic responses.
Today, it continues to be a key player in the global financial landscape, offering a comprehensive suite of services to diverse clients.
How to Apply
Applying for a job at Morgan Stanley is a straightforward process, offering multiple avenues to suit different preferences. Here's a detailed breakdown:
1. Direct Online Application:
- Procedure: Visit Morgan Stanley's official website and navigate to the career page. Explore the job postings, select the one that aligns with your skills and interests, and submit your application directly through the online portal.
- Advantage: Direct applications allow you to tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job requirements.
2. Campus Recruitment Events/Drives:
- Procedure: Morgan Stanley actively engages in on-campus recruitment events and drives. If you are a student at a participating institution, attend these events to submit your application and potentially get shortlisted.
- Advantage: Campus events offer the chance to interact directly with recruiters and gain insights into available opportunities.
3. Off-Campus Drives:
- Procedure: Morgan Stanley also conducts off-campus events, making job applications accessible to a broader audience. Check the eligibility criteria in job descriptions and apply if you meet the requirements.
- Advantage: Off-campus drives provide opportunities for those who may not have access to on-campus events.
4. Job Portals:
- Procedure: Explore various job portals (such as Jobaaj.com, Naukri.com, etc) where Morgan Stanley regularly updates details of job openings. Search for positions based on your preferences, and apply through the respective portal
- Advantage: Job portals provide a centralized platform for job seekers to discover a range of openings across different locations and roles.
Recruitment Process
Morgan Stanley typically employs a six-round recruitment process, which involves multiple rounds to evaluate a candidate's skills, suitability, and cultural fit within the organization:
Written Round:
This round runs for about 1 hour 30 minutes and consists of two sections:
- Aptitude test: This section consists of basic numerical, data interpretations, logical reasoning, and questions related to the role applied for. The time limit generally is 45 minutes.
- Technical test: In this section, questions can be included from various domains, they can be from the course subjects. So basically it consists of questions from technical subjects as a whole.
Programming Round: (Only for Developers)
The second round is the coding round where questions are mainly from data structures and algorithms. There can be 4 to 5 questions and may last from 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Technical Round 1:
These consist of face-to-face rounds with the interviewer and to pass through these rounds one should have good knowledge regarding the facts mentioned in the CV. The questions are generally asked from the projects, internships or training mentioned in the CV. Following this one should be well known with the course related subjects.
Group Activity:
The interviewees are divided into groups and can be given tasks like coming up with a story from a picture on a particular theme or building something. This round is pretty interesting and tests the teamwork capability of each student.
Technical Round 2:
This round is an advanced form of the first technical round and tests the student for a deep knowledge of the concepts Questions are also made on the projects and internships mentioned in the CV.
HR Round:
This round deals less with the technical questions but more with the HR questions like:
- Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years, 10, and 15 years?
- Questions on family background.
- Strengths and Weaknesses, Interests, etc
In simpler terms, Morgan Stanley evaluates candidates through written tests, technical interviews, group activities, and advanced technical discussions. They want to see your technical expertise, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
Interview Preparation
For individuals gearing up for interviews with Morgan Stanley, here are some essential tips on interview preparation:
Tell Your Story:
Craft your narrative effectively. Familiarise yourself with your resume, be able to discuss its contents confidently, and articulate your strengths and areas for development. Answer questions to the best of your ability, and remember, it's okay not to have all the answers – we're interested in how you approach problem-solving.
Highlight Relevant Experiences:
Showcase past experiences that demonstrate why you are an ideal candidate. Draw from your job history, projects, coursework, and extracurricular activities. Make a compelling case for why you are the right fit for the job.
Personal Brand:
Recognize your unique personal brand and how you want to be remembered. Present yourself professionally, pay attention to body language, and listen actively. Take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.
Practice and Authenticity:
Practice your interviewing skills, either in front of a mirror or with a partner. Be comfortable discussing yourself but avoid sounding overly rehearsed. Authenticity, enthusiasm, and staying true to yourself are crucial.
Express Your Passion:
Have a strong reason for wanting to work in the industry, with Morgan Stanley, and within your chosen division. Passion sets Morgan Stanley apart, so convey how your goals and expertise align with the position. Ask thoughtful, specific questions during the interview to demonstrate your interest.
Understanding the Firm and Industry:
Familiarise yourself with Morgan Stanley's history, principles, values, organizational structure, and key leaders. Stay informed about financial news and Morgan Stanley's market positioning.
Develop a basic understanding of how government regulation impacts the financial industry. Research the program and division you've applied to, staying current with their developments.
Salary Offered:
The average annual salary offered to an employee at Morgan Stanley in India is INR 21.2 lakhs.
The average salaries for different positions at Morgan Stanley in India are given below:
| Job Position | Average Salary |
| Analyst | INR 7.1 LPA |
| Software Engineer | INR 13.9 LPA |
| HR Executive | INR 4.2 LPA |
| Manager | INR 20 LPA |
| Senior Manager | INR 26 LPA |
| Executive Director | INR 80 LPA |
However, the salary of a fresher employee at Morgan Stanley in India ranges from INR 9.0 lakhs to INR 24.0 lakhs per year.
If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career in finance, Morgan Stanley is a great place to start. The company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, as well as opportunities for growth and development.
