What qualifications are needed for a career at Morgan Stanley?
If you’d like to qualify for our entry-level programs, we prefer strong A-Level (or equivalent) results and a degree from a good university. We recruit candidates from across all academic disciplines and encourage applications from students of all backgrounds—there’s strength in diversity.
In some regions, we run a boot camp for non-finance analysts to support them through the financial and technical aspects of the program, so you don’t need to major in finance. We look for people with excellent people skills, effective written and verbal communication, resilience, confidence, and a genuine interest in our business. Is that you?
What A-Levels should I study?
In general, we place more emphasis on the strength of your grades than the specific A-Levels that you study. Our spring interns have taken A-levels from across all disciplines, including, science, maths, economics, physics, arts, and humanities. Our employees have a wide variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences. We look for exceptional individuals who will help us shape the future.
Which university should I attend?
Choosing the right university is a very personal thing—there are many factors that will influence your decision. Trust your instincts. We recruit from across all academic disciplines and encourage applications from students of all backgrounds. We believe that a diverse workforce makes us stronger.
Is further study after university required?
That's entirely up to you—it’s not a prerequisite for any of our entry-level programs. However, if you want to continue your studies, we offer additional programs intended for students with post-graduate qualifications.
Do you have work experience programs for school students?
We run a number of programs and work with non-profit partners to raise awareness of our industry. Our Mixed Open Day invites year 13 students to come in for the day and experience what we do. Our Step In, Step Up three-day insight program caters to female students in years 12 and 13.
We also collaborate with schools in and around London to promote industry awareness, an understanding of our organization, how we work, and the many opportunities we have available.
What could I be doing now to increase my chances of entering the industry?
Focus on your grades, take part in extracurricular activities, conduct an internship, and secure a part-time job or volunteer work. As soon as you start university, register with your career services department. Make sure to start your career search early. We have programs for each stage of your university career, so by the time you are in your final year, you’ll have an in-depth understanding of the many opportunities we have available.
It’s also a good idea to research various industries, attend skill sessions, go to company presentations and build a network of people that you meet at these events. Also, if you make time for work experience and internships throughout university, you should be able to secure a position by the time you graduate.
Can you describe a typical day at Morgan Stanley?
There is no such thing as a typical day at Morgan Stanley. That’s one of the reasons it’s such an exciting place to work. Every day we make the calls and crunch the numbers that define the future of business. Our website features profiles from more than 200 employees and highlights their experiences at Morgan Stanley. It’s an engaging way to learn more about what it’s like to work with us.Visit here to see the profiles
What are the advantages of working at Morgan Stanley?
At Morgan Stanley, we don’t just create wealth—we create change. We work on projects that are defining tomorrow. Everything from helping fund original television shows to starting the startups to creating millions of jobs in China.
A huge advantage is our global community of exceptional people. Our employees are our greatest assets and a great resource. Morgan Stanley is an inspiring place to learn and grow. Our recruits embark on a comprehensive training and development program that’s had an outstanding reputation for more than 30 years. We have an open, supportive culture that helps you realize your full potential right from the start.
So if you’re ready to think big and make a real impact on the future—join us. There’s work to be done.
How important are work experience and internship opportunities?
There are many advantages to work experience. You see the structure of an organization and what people are expected to do on a day-to-day basis. You gain an understanding of an organization's culture and meet the employees. You’ll make a more informed decision as to whether the industry is for you and whether you would thrive on the challenges of a fast-paced environment. It also shows that you are proactive and seriously considering your career options.
What is the training like at Morgan Stanley?
It’s a continual process that includes classroom, small group, and one-on-one training sessions. Each division runs its own structured training program for candidates joining us straight from university. After that, most training is on the job, but some divisions include a rotational component in their programs and additional classroom-based training to further develop technical skills and the tools needed for career growth.
Can you tell me about the people at Morgan Stanley?
At Morgan Stanley, you'll find dynamic people from all walks of life working together to make a difference in the world. The diversity of our people keeps us strong. The different perspectives and skills they bring to the table are integral to our success. We encourage our employees to bring their full selves to work, and we foster an environment that prides itself on inclusivity and cohesiveness. Check out the employee profiles on our website to see how our people are helping to build a better future.
Are there opportunities to work abroad with Morgan Stanley?
Yes—career mobility within Morgan Stanley is one of the aspects of both individual and Firm success. We take an active approach to getting the right people into the right jobs at the right time. We provide learning opportunities, improve knowledge and skills, and actively help employees manage their career paths. For many individuals, this means having a career stint abroad.
What opportunities are available once I reach university?
Please check our website www.morganstanley.com/campus for an overview of all the programs we offer. We have opportunities for every stage of your university career. Ready to create real change in the world? Join us.