Huge congratulations to Edoardo for securing a role as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst for Morgan Stanley! We caught up with him to discuss his exciting new role and the application process.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background
I am a student graduating from London Business School this year with previous experience in accounting and advisory. I am a keen traveller and have studied in Italy, UK, USA and China. In my free time I am a skier, a cyclist and a pianist.
How has Bright Network helped you in your career so far?
Even though my career experience was limited, Bright Network always provided me with relevant information, both in terms of career opportunities and advice. The team was always very kind and available to help.
What inspired you to apply for this role?
I learnt about this opportunity as a student at Bocconi and it immediately became an aspiration. My interest grew as I progressed in my academic journey and learnt more about investment banking. Besides my interest in finance itself, I was inspired by the fast-paced environment and the steep learning curve. I believe Morgan Stanley is the best place for this thanks to its people and its culture.
What do you look forward to the most about starting your role?
It is difficult to select one of the many things I look forward to, but, if I have to pick one, it would be joining my team. I had the chance to network with some of my future colleagues and I was impressed by their kindness, talent and knowledge of the industry. For these reasons, I really can’t wait to work alongside and learn from them.
What would a ‘normal’ day look like for someone in your role?
I expect my normal day to include the preparation of business development materials for prospective clients and the creation of financial models for live deal executions.
What do you find most interesting about the industry?
Also in this case, there are several things that I find interesting about the investment banking industry, but the possibility to work on a variety of deals and help clients to realise their objectives are the most prominent.
What was the application process like? What was the hardest part? What did you enjoy the most?
The application process involved two telephone interviews and an assessment centre. The latter was the hardest part, but also the one I enjoyed the most. Indeed, I feel I learnt a lot thanks to the insights received from the individuals interviewing me.
What is the company culture like?
Company culture is something you can feel straight away within Morgan Stanley and is something every employee I spoke to highlighted. Despite Morgan Stanley’s size I still feel part of a team and all the people I have talked to were friendly and insightful.
Have you had the opportunity to get involved in any activities outside work?
I have yet to start, but I look forward for the famous virtual team dinners on Friday.
Do you feel university prepared you for what is expected of you in your role?
Having followed a finance focused academic path, I feel university sufficiently prepared me for the role. However, I am aware that some skills can only be learnt on the job and I look forward to expanding my skillset this summer.
Finally, any tips for anyone who’d like to apply for a similar role at Morgan Stanley?
Just be yourself. I know it sounds obvious, but I think it is crucial and I feel Morgan Stanley cares more than other banks about who you are and what your motivation is.
