Morgan Stanley Reviews

Pros

The vacation and the benefits are great. You have the opportunity to work from home. If the economy is doing well then you should do OK.

Cons

This company will eliminate your position even if they are profitable. This happened to me even though they were profitable.

Pros

MS provides an excellent, collaborative work environment where management truly provides transparency to its employees. There is ample opportunity to express thoughts and opinions in an environment of respect and professionalism. The culture of respect carries throughout the levels of management. Opportunities to contribute across the organization abound. Company seems to have for how to grow wealth management in the future, versus being simply an IB/Broker-Dealer, the diversification of the business model is positive. Gorman understands how to manage the media against speculation and false rumors.

Cons

Economy and the flagging stock price have depressed bonuses for the past couple years, so total comp is below where it should be versus some competitors in the sector. Emphasis on consolidating the Smith Barney merger has forced austerity all around. IT investments are not major, and technology isn't always latest/greatest, but it's suited to their business. Growth isn't as much a priority as surviving merger and right-sourcing. Organization tends to stumble in its own bureaucracy, sometimes the wrong people are beyond their depth in their roles.

Advice to Senior Management

Focus on creating diversity in roles and opportunities for employees to have varied roles, even if not vertically. Take a better look at the sourcing strategy for vendors to gain better efficiencies and economies (quit paying vendors in Chennai and focus on more efficient on-shore/near-shore solutions).

Pros

well respected firm
good opportunities to develop yourself
intelligent and mostly enthusiastic co-workers

Cons

Long hours, Maintaining work-life balance can be hard.

Pros

The people are really great.

Cons

Long hours make work-life balance hard.

Advice to Senior Management

Make people happier with more perks.

Pros

Competetive salary, strong management and good colleagues.

Cons

Stressful, and in general, financial industry is not a good choice now.

Advice to Senior Management

Management is doing a good job now, wasnt very good before. Just continue to do the good work.

Pros

-Very knowledgeable people on various levels
-Good exposure to various aspects of the business
-Good benefits
-Nice pantries
-Convenient locations

Cons

-High turnover - a lot of great professionals left in the last couple years
-No good talent retention
-A lot of shifting people from one group to another puts pressure to adapt to new responsibilities quickly without any extra benefits

Advice to Senior Management

Senior management has to put more effort in talent retention. Stop hiring temps, it's a waste of money and everybody else's time - they are gone within a few months and the rest of staff is left with the same amount of work or someone new to teach.

Pros

Great environment, many opportunities worldwide, great benefits

Cons

Long hours can be expected

Pros

Full transparency in all matter concerning you or your career. Good rewards for good work. Ample opportunity to grow.

Cons

Leadership has been changing a lot lately, so its kind of scary and full of unknown.

Advice to Senior Management

Be more detailed to every level about the reason for change in senior management.

Pros

Flexibility in making decisions for clients.

Cons

Straight commission and changes in compensation plans on a yearly basis

Pros

Good Reputation
Low Attrition (so far)
Hardworking teams

Cons

Compensation
Poor Communication
Strategy changing course regularly
Offshoring focused on low quality locations

Advice to Senior Management

Dont squeeze the little guys in ops they are keeping the wheels turning. Comps of below 5K to Zero is way too harsh!!