employer cover photo
employer logo
employer logo

Morgan Stanley

Is this your company?

World class platform, some warts. - Investment Banking Associate Morgan Stanley Employee Review

4.0
Apr 14, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It is truly a world-class platform. My group was far and away the leading group in our field and so it was extremely rare that a deal would happen that we didn't know about or get invited to participate in. There's still BS pitching involved, but not nearly as much as at other banks. The only other group that even comes close is GS.

Cons

The marketing, recruiting, etc would all tell you that its much more of a meritocracy than our competitors. But the reality is that its a pretty political place, and dead wood and blowhards tend to find shelter for long periods of time (even in this market). In the Menlo tech office, there's a little known secret: as an associate you have to do 3 years before getting the chance to get promoted to VP. It's not Morgan Stanley practice. It's not even MS Tech (NYC doesn't do it). It's just the Menlo office. Although they sell it as being 'for your benefit' in terms of training and development, the reality is that it's to their benefit. Once you've passed the two year mark (when all your friends are either gone or will be promoted), you're stuck. You either work your guts out to guarantee you get promoted, or you're screwed because everyone else out there knows you should have been promoted.

Explore other reviews about Morgan Stanley

5.0
May 20, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Large, well-respected firm that looks good on a resume

Cons

Hard to climb/move silos/mobility opportunities

1
3.0
May 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Very good co-workers, Great technology stack. Lot of new technologies and integration with current work.

Cons

They dont even give you a MS cup. They ask you to buy it for 5$. So cheap! Management big on "Giving back", Immediate managers do not like it and are not supportive. Lay off employees twice a year to show profits. Only worried about shareholders and clients. Don't know the criteria for lay-off. So, you are always worried if it is your turn. They boast about mental health and wellness. No good, when they layoff employees like this. HR = Horrible Resources. When you are laid off, they shoo you away as if you are a fly. You feel miserable. They themselves say - "We are better than Facebook or Oracle. We dont fire you at 6 AM over email." Gosh! What a comparison!

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All