Morgan Stanley Internship: A Detailed Guide

As one of the largest banking institutions in the US, Morgan Stanley provides financial services to millions of clients across the world. 

The company operates in more than 40 countries and offers guidance in areas including investment management, commodities, and mutual funds. Morgan Stanley’s far-reaching work is made possible thanks to its 80,000 employees. 

One of the entry routes into a career with Morgan Stanley is its internship scheme. Students and graduates on the internship will benefit from the opportunity to learn from professionals in the field.

The Morgan Stanley Internship is especially renowned for providing candidates with valuable hands-on experience in the finance and investment industry. 

This guide will cover the Morgan Stanley Internship application process, internship structure, and tips for success.

Overview of the Morgan Stanley Internship

The multinational company Morgan Stanley is committed to recruiting the very best talent for its finance and investment roles. Vacancies with the company are divided into two sections: jobs for experienced professionals, and opportunities for students and graduates. 

One of the opportunities for current students and graduates is the Morgan Stanley Internship. This scheme, taken over the summer, is designed to develop future finance leaders. A feature of the internship are immersive experiences that provide candidates with an insight into the fast-paced world of global finance services.

There are various internship opportunities available across the different divisions that make up Morgan Stanley. You can apply for many positions such as the Investment Banking, Research, or Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Internship.

The Morgan Stanley Internship is open to students and recent graduates. It is best suited to individuals studying relevant subjects. The typical candidates for the program are undergraduate students and graduates majoring in finance, economics, business, or related fields.

Applicants to the Morgan Stanley Pathways Internship come from diverse backgrounds and possess a strong academic record and relevant skills.

Morgan Stanley Internship Application Process

Candidates who are accepted onto the Morgan Stanley Internship have a greater chance of progressing to a full-time position with the company. For this reason, Morgan Stanley is keen to onboard the most promising talent from universities and colleges around the world.

Roles at global institutions such as Morgan Stanley are very competitive, and so there are some criteria that candidates must meet.

Interns at the financial giant are expected to have a high GPA – aim for 3.6 and above – as well superior analytical and communication abilities. Candidates will also need a keen interest in the financial services industry to thrive in the company. 

Applicants with leadership experience, collaborative skills, and a strong work ethic are highly sought after by Morgan Stanley and are encouraged to apply.

Candidates who are involved with extracurricular activities can have a better chance of success, as they will likely have specific skills and experience that sets them apart from other applicants.

While experience in finance and analytics is preferred and will set you in good stead for a role with Morgan Stanley, the organization does encourage applicants from all walks of life and academic disciplines. Morgan Stanley is made up of employees from every background, and everyone has something to bring to the company that serves its clients. 

How to Apply to the Morgan Stanley Pathways Internship Programme

If you wish to apply for an internship at Morgan Stanley, you can find the details of available courses on the company’s website. Morgan Stanley recruits interns on a rolling basis, so make sure to pay attention to the opening and closing dates for the scheme.

The Morgan Stanley Pathways Internship program can be intense with lots of practical learning. It is crucial that you choose to apply for a role that you are interested in, and that you can see yourself excelling in. You can use the website filters to narrow down a list of programs that suit you. 

Once you have chosen an internship, you can submit the online application form. You will typically need to upload your resume. When applying for positions with any company, it is important that you tailor your resumes and cover letters to showcase relevant experiences. 

Interview Process

If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. This may be in the form of a phone screening, behavioral test, or a technical interview for specific roles. 

For the best chance of progressing past the interview stage, it is important that you prepare beforehand. 

To ensure you understand what Morgan Stanley is looking for in an intern, research the company and current market trends. It is a good idea to practice common interview questions so you have answers ready to impress the panel.

Morgan Stanley Pathways Internship Structure and Experience

Duration and Schedule

The Morgan Stanley Internship runs over the summer to fit around the schedules of current students and recent graduates. It typically lasts for 10 to 12 weeks.

Internships with the company have flexible schedules, with some programs offering full-time or part-time options.

Training and Development

Morgan Stanley is big on personal and professional development, and so you can expect to find a wealth of training opportunities at the beginning of your internship.

Some of the opportunities offered as part of the Morgan Stanley sophomore Internship include orientation sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs.

Former interns have described how orientation sessions enabled them to meet employees from across the organization, which helped them to learn new things right from the start of their internship. 

You will also benefit from training programs that will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a role at Morgan Stanley. As an undergraduate student or recent graduate, you will likely have little to no experience of the corporate world. Training sessions will introduce you to this new environment and the meaning of your role at Morgan Stanley.

Former interns have also said that, although you will be assigned a manager to report to, they act in a more of a mentor role. The relationship between intern and supervisor is focused on empowering the new starter and enabling them to grow in the role. 

Morgan Stanley works on a flat hierarchy, meaning there are few levels of middle management between junior staff and the senior executives. This allows for more collaboration and communication across the board. 

Whether you intern as a Morgan Stanley summer analyst, researcher, or one of the many other roles, you will benefit from autonomy and responsibility for your own work.

Morgan Stanley’s commitment to mentorship has also seen it launch several mentoring programs to nurture candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. 

Daily Responsibilities

Your daily responsibilities will differ depending on the role you have applied for, but there are some general tasks that you can expect to be doing.

Typically, you will be responsible for: conducting research, preparing reports, analyzing data, and assisting with client projects. These tasks will require you to work both independently and in a group. 

Working on a Morgan Stanley summer Internship provides excellent opportunities for networking, participating in team meetings, and engaging in real-world projects that impact the firm. 

Tips for Morgan Stanley Pathways Internship Success

Networking and Building Relationships

One of the key benefits of enrolling on a Morgan Stanley sophomore internship is that it will allow you to network with a wide range of people who work in every area of finance. By actively networking within the company, you can expand your knowledge of the industry and find new interests and opportunities for growth. 

What’s more, building relationships with colleagues and supervisors will create a long list of contacts that will be an invaluable resource throughout your career. 

Taking Initiative

As a Morgan Stanley intern, you already have a head start on the rest of the jobseeker pool. If you wish to later secure a permanent position with the company, you will need to prove that you are a perfect match for Morgan Stanley. 

One of the best ways to do this is to take initiative in your role. This means suggesting ideas and offering help without being asked. You can do this by demonstrating a strong work ethic and volunteering for additional projects. 

For example, if you are a Morgan Stanley Analyst summer intern, think about what other data you can offer to review to help your team.

It is important that you are proactive in learning and seeking feedback to improve your performance.

Setting Goals

At this early stage of your career, it is a great idea to get into the habit of thinking about what you want to achieve and setting goals. 

When starting your Morgan Stanley Summer Internship, you should set specific and achievable goals for your experience. What are the skills you wish to develop? What kind of connections do you want to make? Setting goals is a helpful way to track your progress. Make sure to reflect on your achievements throughout your internship as you work towards your dream career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of internships are offered at Morgan Stanley?

Morgan Stanley summer Internships are available in a range of areas including finance, sales, HR, and research – two examples are the Morgan Stanley summer analyst internship or the Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Internship.

How competitive is the application process for Morgan Stanley internships?

The application process is very competitive. It is estimated that only 2% of applicants will be offered a position. For this reason, it is important to make your application stand out.

What qualifications are preferred for applicants?

Applicants are required to have a strong GPA of 3.0 to 3.49. Those who major in relevant subjects are preferred, but all students and recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Are internships at Morgan Stanley paid?

The average pay for Morgan Stanley interns is $20.89 per hour. 

What are the potential outcomes after completing an internship at Morgan Stanley?

Completing an internship at Morgan Stanley can lead to a permanent position with the company or opportunities across the finance sector.

Final Thoughts

If you are a current undergraduate student or recent graduate considering a career in finance, the Morgan Stanley Internship is an excellent program. It provides practical experience and the company highly values professional development to set you in good stead for the rest of your career.

When applying for the internship, make sure to prepare for the application and interview process.

Most importantly, embrace the opportunity to learn and grow as Morgan Stanley offers fantastic opportunities to develop. If you are proactive and demonstrate a strong work ethic, the internship can lead to future career opportunities within Morgan Stanley or the broader finance sector.