Morgan Stanley is one of the most prestigious investment banks in the world, hiring top talent from top universities as investment banking analysts right after undergraduate studies. Investment banking is known to be a fast-paced and demanding career, often requiring long hours and high intensity. As such, most investment banking analysts at Morgan Stanley tend to be young, in their early to mid 20s.
The typical background for a Morgan Stanley investment banking analyst is someone who has recently graduated from a target university with a finance, accounting, economics or engineering degree. They are usually 22-24 years old when starting out. The analyst role is the junior most position in investment banking, responsible for building financial models, preparing pitchbooks, conducting market research and supporting senior bankers. It is considered a rite of passage for those wanting to advance further in investment banking.
While the stereotype is that investment banking analysts are all fresh graduates, there can be some variation. Some analysts may join after completing 1-2 years at a smaller bank or pursuing another career initially. In addition, analysts in specific groups like FIG (Financial Institutions Group) or specialty industries may skew slightly older. However, the large majority fall in the typical early 20s range given the intense workload.
At the analyst level, the focus is more on learning on the job and gaining core technical skills than bringing extensive experience. Given the frequent all-nighters and 100+ hour workweeks, younger analysts tend to have an easier time adjusting to the lifestyle. The tradeoff for the long hours is the high compensation, with analysts at top banks like Morgan Stanley making over $100k in total first year compensation.
In summary, Morgan Stanley investment banking analysts tend to be young, motivated graduates passionate about finance. While their lack of experience can be a challenge initially, their energy and technical skills make up for it as they learn the ropes of investment banking.
Morgan Stanley investment banking analysts typically start right after university at 22-24 years old
Morgan Stanley, along with other prestigious banks like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, recruit heavily from target universities for their analyst programs. Students apply during their junior or senior years for a coveted full-time position after graduation. Competition is fierce, with acceptance rates often less than 5%.
Those who secure an analyst offer at Morgan Stanley are usually 22-23 years old when they start after graduation. Top students gunning for high finance careers often complete university in just 3 or 4 years. They also tend to major in technical degrees like finance, accounting, economics and engineering that provide an analytical foundation for investment banking.
While some analysts may have taken a gap year or worked briefly before starting at Morgan Stanley, the large majority join the bank immediately after finishing undergraduate studies. The combination of education and intelligence needed to land an elite investment banking job leads most analysts to start right after university when they are in their early 20s.
The demanding lifestyle of investment banking makes it suited for young recent graduates
Investment banking is an infamously demanding career. Analysts often work 80-100+ hours per week on live deals and tight deadlines. All-nighters are also common when working on big transactions or pitches.
While the long hours can be rough, younger analysts tend to adapt more easily than older bankers with family responsibilities. Staying late in the office and surviving on little sleep is easier when you’re in your early 20s versus having kids and a spouse at home. The lack of prior professional experience also means younger analysts have less to adjust from a lifestyle perspective.
In addition, investment banks value the technical skills and moldability of fresh graduates. While they may lack in business experience, new analysts bring energy and mental stamina coupled with strong financial and analytical capabilities. They are often able to pick up new skills and knowledge quickly as well.
Thus the combination of time commitment, mental endurance and technical abilities makes recent graduates well-suited for the investment banking analyst role. Their youth and eagerness allows them to better handle the job demands.
Investment banking analysts at Morgan Stanley have potential for fast promotion to associate
While grueling, one major advantage of starting as an investment banking analyst straight out of university is the potential for quick promotions. Analyst programs are generally 2 years after which top performers will get promoted to associate.
The associate role is the next rung up the ladder with more responsibilities and nearly double the compensation. At large banks like Morgan Stanley, associates earn over $200k per year all-in.
Some analysts with exceptional performance may even get promoted early after just 1 year. The rapid trajectory from analyst to associate in the span of 2 years is a major incentive for top students to suffer through the long hours early in their career. They are willing to pay their dues knowing the payout will come soon after.
Because Morgan Stanley and other banks value strong analytical skills over work experience for junior roles, the potential for fast promotion makes investment banking a very financially attractive career option straight out of college. Ambitious graduates can realistically aim to become a highly-paid associate before age 25 and earn VP status a few years later.
Morgan Stanley investment banking groups like FIG may have slightly older analysts
While the typical investment banking analyst at Morgan Stanley fits the mold of a 22 to 24 year old recent graduate, there can be some variations across groups.
For example, the Financial Institutions Group (FIG) may tend to attract slightly older analysts compared to other teams like TMT (Technology, Media & Telecom) or generalist Industrials.
Within FIG, analysts focus on advising financial services companies like banks, insurance firms and asset managers. Having some prior experience in finance or accounting can be helpful in grasping concepts related to balance sheets, lending, insurance policies and assets under management.
Relatedly, groups focused on specialty sectors like healthcare, biotech and energy may also draw candidates with relevant educational backgrounds and work experience. These teams require specific industry knowledge that students may obtain through additional coursework and/or internships.
However, it is important to note that the vast majority of investment banking analysts at Morgan Stanley still fit the typical young profile. But in certain specialized groups, analysts skewing a year or two older is not uncommon.
In summary, Morgan Stanley investment banking analysts are generally in their early to mid 20s, having recently graduated from top universities with finance-related degrees. While some variation exists across groups, the overarching emphasis in the analyst role is on technical skills versus extensive experience. The long hours also favor younger candidates with the time and energy to fully commit. Joining Morgan Stanley straight out of college provides ambitious graduates a path to promotions like associate and VP in their mid to late 20s.