How to get into Morgan Stanley in 2023

Morgan Stanley is a leading global investment bank and financial services company. The company has over 75,000 employees and operates in over 40 countries. Morgan Stanley provides a wide range of financial services to individuals, institutions, and governments, including investment banking, securities trading, asset management, and wealth management. The company is a major player in the global financial markets and is considered to be one of the most prestigious investment banks in the world.

Are you wondering how you can get into Morgan Stanley? If yes then read along to find out the whole procedure.

Recruitment Process

Morgan Stanley conducts around 6 rounds 

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, it 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.

Technical-cum-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.

How to Apply?

Here are the ways by which you can apply for a job at Morgan Stanley:

Direct online application- Visit the website's career page to explore job postings and apply for the one most suitable for you.

Campus recruitment events/ drives- The company conducts on-campus drives inviting applications from students enrolled at the respective institution. You can join these campus events to get shortlisted for a job posting at Morgan Stanley.

Off-Campus drives- The company also conducts off-campus events/ drives inviting applicants for favorable openings. These are open to all students and professionals as required by the eligibility mentioned in the job description. 

Job Portal- There are numerous job portals where the company updates details of job openings. You can browse through them and apply for openings there.

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: Practise 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, organisational 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:

Analyst: INR 7.1 lakhs

Software Engineer: INR 13.9 lakhs

HR Executive: INR 4.2 lakhs

Manager: INR 20 lakhs

Senior Manager: INR 26 lakhs

Executive Director: INR 80 lakhs

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.