Your Opportunity as an Analyst in Firm Strategy & Execution

An overview of this program’s objectives and how you can benefit

Firm Strategy & Execution (FSE) offers a unique opportunity to work with senior management early in your career.  Primary constituents are the CEO, Co-Presidents, CFO and Business Unit heads of Morgan Stanley.  As an Analyst in the group, you will help make key decisions for the firm that directly drive change and influence Morgan Stanley's strategic direction and overall profitability.

FSE offers Analysts the opportunity to build skill sets in both investment banking and strategic consulting.  Through analysis and execution of principal M&A projects, Analysts can expect to learn the fundamentals of company valuation, deal sourcing, structuring and execution, due diligence, negotiations and business integration.  On strategic consulting projects, Analysts develop advanced strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Analyst Program in Firm Strategy & Execution
How the program works and the day-to-day experience you can expect

The FSE Analyst program is typically a two-year program.  The group is divided into two teams, reflecting its mandate and range of projects: a Strategy team and an Execution team. Analysts in FSE work on the full spectrum of projects in which the group is involved.  Analysts can generally expect to spend one year on the Strategy team and one year on the Execution team.

Analysts often have the opportunity to meet, interact with and present to Morgan Stanley senior management. Drawing on research, financial analysis, discussions with industry specialists and key decision-makers, and their own judgment, Analysts play an integral role in helping FSE develop and implement creative solutions to significant business initiatives and strategic opportunities facing Morgan Stanley.

FSE projects are aligned with the key priorities of the firm and its three main business units – Institutional Securities, Asset Management and Global Wealth Management Group. Projects are categorized as either:

• Strategy projects Evaluating market trends, competitive forces and internal competencies to identify emerging and new opportunities for the firm; providing leadership and support for the strategic development and capital planning process
• M&A Execution projects Providing valuation analysis and execution expertise for potential mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and minority investments for Morgan Stanley

Launching Your Career
The initial training that you receive on starting the program

Upon arrival at the firm, FSE Analysts attend the five-week Morgan Stanley Investment Banking (IBD) Training Program. Morgan Stanley's IBD training program is one of the best on the street. Analysts receive financial, accounting and modeling training from accomplished instructors, bankers and university professors. The majority of training takes place in a classroom setting. Academic classes are complemented by practical sessions generally taught by Morgan Stanley bankers, on such topics as Morgan Stanley valuation techniques, modeling methodologies and real-life case studies.

The training program hosts guest speakers and social events. Guest speakers share their experiences with Analysts on subjects like the importance of networking, community involvement and stress management. Analysts may also attend a number of social events, including a boat cruise and a Broadway show. Following the firmwide training program, FSE Analysts may participate in additional training focused specifically on the financial services sector and industry-specific valuation and accounting methodology.

Developing Your Career
What you can anticipate as you make progress and after completing the program

FSE Analysts receive ongoing training throughout their tenure at Morgan Stanley through online learning modules, presentations to the group by industry specialists and by attending industry conferences.

FSE strongly believes in the importance of mentoring for the Analyst's career development. Analysts are typically paired with both a junior mentor (Senior Analyst/Associate) and a senior mentor (Officer). Junior mentors serve as role models and provide technical guidance. Senior mentors help Analysts think about their long-term professional aspirations and support the achievement of those goals.

After two years in FSE, Analysts have a variety of professional opportunities both within Morgan Stanley and outside the firm. Analysts who have performed well may be promoted to a third-year Analyst position in the group or a similar position in another Morgan Stanley business area. Recent examples of post-Analyst program placement within Morgan Stanley include Firm Management, Sales & Trading, Investment Banking and Global Capital Markets.

FSE strives to provide flexible career options that will attract and retain the best strategic and quantitative thinkers. We expect that graduates of the FSE Analyst program will be well positioned for a career at Morgan Stanley or beyond.

Is Firm Strategy & Execution Right for You?
A checklist to help you decide if you have the skills and temperament for this area

• You have excellent problem-solving, quantitative and analytical skills.
• You have outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• You are highly motivated to learn the fundamentals of corporate finance and strategic consulting.
• You are able to work on multiple projects and quickly grasp key concepts.
• You are a team player with a strong work ethic and keen attention to detail.
• You display confidence in your ability to get work done.
• You can manage expectations and handle high-pressure situations.

Requirements

You have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and a four-year Bachelor's degree.

Selection Process

The selection process begins with a "resume drop" in the early fall followed by on-campus first-round interviews. A series of final round interviews in New York City concludes the selection process. Selections for first-round interviews are based on academic performance and prior work experience. Selections for subsequent rounds are based on the candidates' interviews.

How to Apply

Please visit our website at: http://www.morganstanley.com/about/careers/recruiting/apply.html

You may also check with your school's career center on policies and procedures for applying for the North American FSE Analyst Program.

Please include a resume, cover letter, and a transcript.

Deadlines

Please refer to your school's career services website for the application submission deadline.