Your Opportunity as an Associate in Public Finance

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

Morgan Stanley's Public Finance Group lies within the Fixed Income Division and covers a diverse range of sophisticated clients including state and local governments; hospitals and healthcare institutions; not-for-profit institutions such as major universities and colleges, museums and cultural institutions; water and power utility systems (municipal and corporate); student loan agencies; state and local housing finance agencies, airports, transit agencies and highway systems.

The Public Finance Group brings policy, industry, and regional and product expertise to government, institution, and corporate clients in order to develop and execute innovative and customized solutions to the most challenging financial issues faced in the marketplace.  Public Finance investment bankers provide their clients with services including the structuring and execution of tax-exempt and/or taxable securities public offerings, structured products and derivative solutions as well as financial and strategic advice.

The Associate Program in Public Finance
How the program works and the day-to-day experience you can expect

As an Associate in the Public Finance Group, you will be an integral member of the investment banking coverage team for one of the above areas.  You will have responsibilities including developing structuring and cash flow financial models and drafting presentation materials, memos and proposals to generate new business and communicate complex ideas and solutions with potential and existing clients.  It is expected that Associates attend client meetings and interact with clients on an ongoing basis. 

Associates participate in all aspects of client coverage, from the initial pitch to public offering execution and ongoing coverage.  They work closely with both internal colleagues such as capital markets, syndicate, derivatives and other business units throughout Morgan Stanley, and external parties including rating agencies, credit enhancers, legal counsel, auditors and other market participants.  Associates should have an interest in the financial markets and be able to thrive in an intense environment.  They must be highly focused, goal-oriented, and possess an aptitude for interpreting complex information in a timely manner.  Associates should also possess excellent written and oral communication skills.

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

The Program begins with a comprehensive training curriculum that includes firmwide training with Associates across the Institutional Securities Division. The curriculum features extensive market knowledge, product and technical financial product, bond math, credit modeling, financial accounting, enhanced with a variety of product talks. The program will also provide professional development classes as well as licensing and registration. You will have networking opportunities with peers and colleagues as well as frequent interaction with senior managers through information sessions and other organized events.

In addition to classroom training, you receive on-the-job coaching and feedback throughout the program.

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

Morgan Stanley is committed to developing our next generation of leaders, so when an Associate joins the firm, he or she becomes part of the team with an important role.

We believe in mentoring programs to support career growth. Associates are assigned a mentor to help ease their transition from academia to the corporate environment. Mentors can provide career guidance, serve as a sounding board, and connect Associates to the broader Morgan Stanley network.

Mobility is an important part of building a Morgan Stanley career, and Associates are encouraged to consider opportunities globally.

Is Public Finance Right for You?
A checklist to help you decide if you have the skills and temperament for this area

• You must be highly focused and goal-oriented.
• You possess excellent written and oral communication skills.
• You excel at  teamwork and possess initiative, enthusiasm and motivation.
• You are an insightful, creative, quantitative thinker with the desire to work in an exciting environment.
• You are very detail-oriented.
• You possess the ability to multitask and prioritize.

Requirements

Associates are expected to complete their MBA degree by June 2010 with excellent academic results and to possess a strong interest in the financial markets.

Selection Process

Selected applicants will first interview either on campus or via phone. Final round candidates will be invited to interview at our offices.

How to Apply

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

Deadlines

For application deadlines please check with your career center.