What should students know to successfully navigate their careers? Morgan Stanley employees shared these words of advice at our Virtual Career Day for Girl Scouts.
Working on a team of Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors, Michelle Brandel often finds herself remembering life lessons from her time as a Girl Scout.
The values she learned, such as service, honesty, respect, kindness and responsibility, “have contributed to the success in my career and the ability to build relationships with my peers, managers and, of course, clients,” said Brandel, a Morgan Stanley Service Professional in Coeur D'alene, Idaho.
Brandel was among the 25 Morgan Stanley Wealth Management employees, many of them former Girl Scouts, who shared career and life advice with scouts in high school and college at the firm’s virtual event, “From Girl Scouting to Financial Services: A Day in the Life at Morgan Stanley.”
“We wanted to provide girls with the opportunity to see our business as a possibility for their future and eliminate the stereotype that careers in finance are just for men,” said Jamie Luhrs, Executive Director and event co-host. “Our goal was to help them walk away with practical brand-building skills they can apply right now and carry with them throughout their academic and professional careers.”
Here are seven lessons that Morgan Stanley employees shared:
1. Figure Out What Motivates You
“My first degree actually wasn’t in finance. I went to school to be a designer. But, luckily, I found my way into a career that I love because I was motivated by connecting with people and helping them thrive at what they do. Listen to your skills and indicators, because you don’t always end up where you thought you would go. Just embrace the challenges along the way and you will unleash your full potential.”
—Hilary Sievers, Vice President, Field Leadership Development
2. Don’t Go It Alone
Success doesn’t happen alone; better outcomes arise from collaborating and partnering with others. Collaboration is at the center of what you do as a Girl Scout and stays relevant for the rest of your life.” —Danielle Dimitriou, Executive Director, Wealth Management Investment Resources
3. Embrace the Challenge
Challenge yourself professionally and personally. Life has many challenges and it’s important to embrace them. Step out of your comfort zone and overcome them. Be open to trying new things because you never know what you’re going to like as you get older.” – Michelle Brandel, Service Professional
