I applied through university. The process took 1 week. I interviewed at Morgan Stanley (Baltimore, MD) in Oct 2008
Interview
1) They did an information session the night before the interviews where you could ask people--HR people, managers, and people who actually do the job you are applying for--whatever you want (and people took advantage of this). It was simultaneously helpful and hilarious.
2) All three interviews were at my school, so I did not have to miss class or work to go to their office
3) Each of the three interviews was different and informative:
The first 1-on-1generic HR personality screen
The second 1-on-1 was an informal skills evaluation and "traditional" interview
The group activity put you with 4 other applicants for a half-hour-ish structured activity (it involved LEGOs) with vague instructions and a "presentation" at the end. This seemed like it was mostly to evaluate how you work with others. At the end, you are asked to evaluate your own performance and your peers' performance both verbally and, briefly, in writing.
4) My HR contact throughout the process was friendly, helpful, and communicative.
5) After receiving an offer, applicants could spend a morning at Morgan for job shadowing and to ask questions of a panel of employees (with HR and managers out of the room!). This was very helpful in understanding the culture at the office, learning all those things nobody ever tells you, and getting a feel for what might be your daily routine.
Interview questions [1]
Question 1
Do you know how to use: (various software applications, plug-in, extensions, etc.)
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.
I applied through an employee referral. I interviewed at Morgan Stanley (New York, NY) in Feb 2026
Interview
Simple and straightforward and something you can take with you after. I hdid a lot of prep, and believe it is important to do so even until the morning of. It is also important to know about the firm and be yourself.