I applied online. The process took 5 weeks. I interviewed at Morgan Stanley in Nov 2013
Interview
Applied online then did online tests - numeracy and verbal reasoning as well as data checking. Initial short telephone interview asking why I had applied, what I did at Uni and a couple of short questions and then arranged the proper telephone interview which lasted around 30 mins. Throughout the telephone interview, various questions were asked and the one that I wasn't sure of was "Tell me about a time when you've questioned a bit of info before proceeding with a task". Other than that, the questions were for the usual competences but maybe slightly more specific than I had experienced before.
The assessment centre was 2 x 40 minute competency based interviews - I didn't get asked anything about Morgan Stanley or why I wanted to work there or anything about the financial market etc. I had prepared for these types of questions but really didn't need to. There were 2 different members of staff in each interview.
I can't remember all of the questions but here are some of the ones I got asked:
- Tell us about a legislation or rule you had to adhere to that you didn't agree with
- What is the need for financial governing bodies
- Tell us about a time you failed at something and how you bounced back
- Tell us about at time you made at mistake
- Tell us about a time you made a decision for another person or group
- Tell us about a time you had to deal with conflict in a group
After the 2 interviews, we then had a short networking session talking to the interviewers we had dealt with and the others too. This was before the group session. There were 6 of us in the group session. The group task wasn't excellent...We were each given a different piece of paper and the scenario was that we were in a different department each and there was a budget to be spent and we were each given three things we wanted money to be spent on. We had to put our arguments forward and discuss and make a decision and then present to the assessors. Not sure how that went. The time scale for this was quite short and so it was hard to hurry everyone up and get a decision made. We ran out of time to finish our flip chart presentation so had to present with no real discussion on how we were going to do that!
All in all, it was quite good, definitely wasn't horrible but some aspects could have gone better. I would have liked them to ask even what I know about Morgan Stanley so I could have rhymed off some of the facts I had learned and shown why I am passionate about the company.
Awaiting result. I have said I didn't get an offer as I have completed this before finding out my result so I am not sure if I will get an offer of not!
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Tell us about a legislation or rule you had to adhere to that you didn't agree with
I applied online. I interviewed at Morgan Stanley (Seattle, WA) in Jun 2026
Interview
The interview process was conducted in a professional and welcoming manner. The interviewer was approachable and began by asking for a brief overview of my background. From there, we had a solid conversation about my past work, some of my personal projects, and the certifications I've earned. Overall, I would call this a positive experience and I am looking forward to my next round.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
One of the questions that stuck with me was "Why Parametric?"
Asking general behavioral questions like self intro, any relevant experience with client, future career plan, etc. It was two round in person interview and nice culture and people. Good experience overall
I interviewed at Morgan Stanley (Glasgow, Scotland)
Interview
Was very nice. They show you the building between rounds of interviews. First is a group interview, and then two individual interviews. The people are nice as well, and very friendly.