Pros
At Morgan Stanley, I am surrounded by the brightest minds in the banking industry. There is a tremendous culture focused on first-rate client service, which is achieved by hiring and developing talented people that share an enthusiastic and collaborative vision and drive. Compensation is linked to personal, group, and firm performance, which encourages each person to perform at his or her highest potential. Feedback from colleagues is thoughtful, and often informal. Senior management does a great job of training junior people in the business of investment banking and of sharing strategic information about the issues and opportunities facing the group and bank.
Cons
The largest downside of working at any investment bank is the riskiness associated with employment on Wall Street. Like all investment banks, Morgan Stanley has had to lay off some of its bankers to keep costs reasonable in the face of an economic downturn.