Summer Analyst Review

Much more than I could have hoped; ignore all of the stereotypes you may have heard from your peers about the world of banking!

I was very close to both my supervisors, as well as fellow interns. I have kept in touch with both of them since, and I am very much looking forward to meeting them again!

Though initially it is daunting to constantly have questions, I believe my supervisors understood that it was natural, and were very helpful throughout my placement with regards to life at Morgan Stanley as well as the project I was assigned to.

Both socially and work-related was a bit hectic at times, but it was a good balance. Though challenging, it was never too much, and even if it did get to that stage I was confident that there would be someone to speak to that could help relieve some of the pressure.

This was a solo project; it was just me working on it. If something doesn't quite work, don't expect to be spoonfed the answer as to why it broke, you will be fixing it yourself! This isn't to say that there is no help available- there is a lot!- but as it was my own personal project, you cannot just delegate the 'boring' or 'difficult' tasks to another.

I am very happy I had the chance to undertake this placement; much more hands on than any coursework you would do at university!

It is an open plan office, so don't expect to be locked in a small cubicle by yourself. People are generally always up for a chat, and on birthdays people brought in cakes/donuts to celebrate. However, if you are someone who must work in absolute silence you may want to bring headphones.

The HR department was amazingly fast in getting back to us if there were any questions or concerns. Could not have been any more efficient :)

I definitely got a very good overview of the firm from the induction (though perhaps a bit long winded; quite a lot of videos to watch, but they do serve a purpose!). I was given materials and the internal wiki as documentation to refer back to for my personal project.

I have been offered a place on the graduate scheme, and I will certainly be taking it!

If the organised events (via HR, intern/grad groups or team) aren't enough for you, it was very easy to just send out a last minute email asking if anyone wanted to do anything that night; and you would generally get a few replies! Some events we organised ourselves included various nights out, picnics, jazz concerts and even a trip on the new cable car!

Coming from an area outside of London, there was an initial shock of paying £10 for a sandwich and drink! The canteen has some very good value for money choices, and there are many offers in the surrounding bars/restaurants. I cannot comment on the living costs as I was lucky enough to be able to live with friends.

What can I say; London is THE place to be! Canary Wharf is on the Jubilee line, so if you do get bored of cocktail bars you're a short trip away from the centre.

I personally joined the gym, and took part in a first aid day course. There are societies within the firm that organise events; be sure to join these as they have frequent socials and events!