Morgan Stanley Associate Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
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Morgan Stanley Associate Interview Questions & Experience Guide

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Technical Round:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Technical question about fixed income instruments.

  • Your Approach: [Candidate’s approach not provided]

  • Outcome: [Result of this round not provided]

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding fixed income instruments and related technical concepts.
  • Brush up on financial services, investment banking, risk management, and analytical skills.

Conclusion:

[Overall experience and final advice not provided]

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in January 2024.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Longest common prefix
    • Your Approach: I attempted to solve the problem by comparing the first string with the rest of the strings to find the common prefix.
    • Outcome: Unfortunately, I was rejected after this round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Do not prepare; no idea why they reject.

Conclusion:
The interview process was straightforward, but the rejection was unexpected. I would advise future candidates to focus on problem-solving skills and possibly review common algorithms like the one asked in the interview.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The process began with a coding test.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Coding Test (Hackerrank):
    • Questions Asked: The coding test included problems that tested skills in Python, data management, and analytical thinking. The exact questions were not disclosed, but they were aligned with the skills recommended for the role (Corporate Actions, Data Management, Analytical skills, Auditing, Equity, Balance Sheet, Python, Project Management).
    • Your Approach: Focused on solving the problems efficiently, ensuring clean and optimized code. Prioritized understanding the problem requirements before jumping into coding.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on Python, especially for data manipulation and problem-solving.
  • Practice coding challenges on platforms like Hackerrank to get comfortable with the format.
  • Revise core concepts related to Corporate Actions, Data Management, and Analytical skills as these are key for the role.

Conclusion:
The coding test was straightforward but required a good grasp of Python and problem-solving skills. Preparing with similar platforms and focusing on the recommended skills helped. For future candidates, I’d suggest practicing coding under timed conditions to simulate the test environment.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Application Process: I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed before July 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Outcome: My resume was shortlisted for further rounds.

  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round (Technical):

    • Questions Asked: Basic finance question.
    • Your Approach: I answered the question by recalling fundamental finance concepts I had studied.
    • Outcome: I passed this round.

  • Round 3 - One-on-one Round (Experience-based):

    • Questions Asked: Questions about my past working experience.
    • Your Approach: I discussed my previous roles, responsibilities, and key achievements in detail.
    • Outcome: I progressed to the next round.

  • Round 4 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: Salary discussion and other benefits.
    • Your Approach: I negotiated based on industry standards and my experience.
    • Outcome: The discussion went well, and I received an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic finance concepts.
  • Be ready to discuss your past work experience in detail.
  • Research salary benchmarks for the role beforehand.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for each round, and the key was staying confident and articulate. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation on both technical and experience-based questions, as well as being clear about your salary expectations.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Application Process: Applied through the company’s recruitment portal.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Q1. Can you describe your current role responsibilities?
    • Your Approach: I provided a detailed overview of my current responsibilities, highlighting key tasks and achievements relevant to the Associate role.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round successfully.

  • Round 2 - Coding Test Round:

    • Questions Asked: Hands-on coding test focused on data structures and algorithms using Java collections.
    • Your Approach: I practiced common DS/Algo problems beforehand and ensured my Java collections knowledge was solid. During the test, I focused on writing clean and efficient code.
    • Outcome: Passed the round.

  • Round 3 - Behavioral Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Q1. Can you explain the current web architecture model you are working with?
    • Your Approach: I discussed the architecture in detail, emphasizing scalability, performance, and my contributions to improving it.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on core Java, especially collections and data structures.
  • Practice coding problems on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.
  • Be ready to discuss your current role and projects in detail.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical rounds, but I could have spent more time refining my behavioral answers. My advice to future candidates is to balance technical preparation with storytelling for behavioral questions.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Application Process: Applied via LinkedIn and was interviewed before February 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Outcome: Passed the resume screening round.
    • Pro Tip: Properly align and format text in your resume to make it easier for recruiters to read.

  • Round 2 - Aptitude Test:

    • Questions Asked: Basic questions about option trading.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the aptitude test.

  • Round 3 - Technical Round 1:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. When would a put option holder exercise the option?
      2. If the price of a security is showing an upward trend, who would gain - a put option holder or a call option holder?
      3. Call option holder as he will be able to purchase at the exercise price.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 4 - Technical Round 2:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What do you understand by hedge funds?
      2. Hedge funds in simple terms are like mutual funds but enjoy liberties far greater than mutual funds to invest in high-risk and OTC instruments.
    • Outcome: Completed the technical rounds successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on the basics of various financial instruments.
  • Answer questions with confidence.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough and focused on technical knowledge related to financial instruments. Preparing well for the basics and staying confident during the interview helped me clear the rounds. For future candidates, I recommend focusing on understanding the core concepts of trading and financial instruments.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant and was interviewed before May 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. How do you calculate NAV?
      2. Difference between Hedge fund and Mutual fund.
    • Your Approach: I explained the formula for calculating NAV and highlighted the key differences between hedge funds and mutual funds, focusing on their investment strategies and regulatory frameworks.
    • Outcome: Passed this round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-one Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Take us through your CV.
      2. What processes were done in your previous job?
      3. How do you handle pressure?
    • Your Approach: I walked the interviewer through my CV, emphasizing relevant experiences. For the processes in my previous job, I detailed my responsibilities and contributions. For handling pressure, I shared examples of how I managed tight deadlines and stressful situations.
    • Outcome: Passed this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on financial concepts like NAV, hedge funds, and mutual funds.
  • Be ready to discuss your CV in detail and relate it to the role you’re applying for.
  • Practice answering behavioral questions, especially about handling pressure.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role’s requirements. I felt prepared, but I could have practiced more behavioral questions to articulate my responses better. My advice to future candidates is to thoroughly understand the job description and prepare accordingly, especially for technical and situational questions.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied for the position through Naukri.com and was interviewed before June 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Stages of Internal Audit
      2. How is Name Screening conducted
    • Your Approach: I focused on explaining the stages of internal audit clearly, emphasizing the importance of each stage. For name screening, I highlighted the process and its significance in compliance.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Methods of AML/KYC
      2. What is the CDD process?
    • Your Approach: I discussed the various methods of AML/KYC and their applications. For the CDD process, I explained its steps and relevance in risk management.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What are the stages of Audit?
      2. Why do we conduct the audit?
    • Your Approach: I reiterated the stages of audit and elaborated on the purpose of audits in ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.

Preparation Tips:

  • Thoroughly understand the job description and align your preparation accordingly.
  • Focus on key areas like internal audit, AML/KYC, and CDD processes, as these are frequently tested.
  • Practice explaining concepts clearly and concisely.

Conclusion:
The interview process was rigorous but well-structured. I felt prepared for the technical rounds, but I could have spent more time on real-world examples to make my answers more impactful. For future candidates, I recommend deep diving into the practical aspects of the role and staying updated with industry trends.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied through a recruitment consultant in November 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

  • Questions Asked: None (resume screening round).

  • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was concise and focused on relevant skills and experiences.

  • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - One-on-one Interview:

  • Questions Asked:

    1. Tell me about yourself.
    2. What did you do at your previous job?
    3. Do you know any programming languages or Can you write a script on SQL if I asked you to?
    4. Can you explain DCF to me? Can DCF be applied to equity?
    5. What do you plan to do once you start this job? What are your goals & what will you do after you have achieved your current goals?
    6. What was your motive for switching your field? What motivated you to pursue this certification?
    7. Do you have any questions? (Absolutely ask & keep asking questions until the interviewer themself tries to end the interview.)

  • Your Approach: Tried to answer confidently but ended up speaking too fast, which led to breaks in my sentences. Also, I was overconfident and didn’t ask any questions at the end.

  • Outcome: The interview was casual, but my performance could have been better.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic technical skills like SQL, risk management, and valuation.
  • Be prepared to answer questions related to your degree or certification, even if they seem irrelevant to the job description.
  • Practice speaking clearly and taking your time to think before answering.
  • Always have questions ready to ask the interviewer.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a learning experience. I realized the importance of pacing myself and not being overconfident. For future candidates, I’d advise preparing thoroughly for both technical and behavioral questions and ensuring you engage the interviewer with thoughtful questions at the end.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: I applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed in December 2022.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Pro Tip: Keep your resume crisp and to the point. A recruiter looks at your resume for an average of 6 seconds, so make sure to leave the best impression.
    • Outcome: My resume was shortlisted for further rounds.

  • Round 2 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about yourself.
      2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
      3. How are strengths related to this profile?
      4. What is enterprise value, and how is it calculated?
      5. What is market cap, and how would you explain it in layman’s terms?
      6. Types of valuation and reasons for using each one of them.
    • Your Approach: I focused on providing concise and relevant answers, linking my strengths to the job requirements and explaining financial concepts clearly.
    • Outcome: I advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - One-on-One Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about your background.
      2. Questions related to the job description.
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my relevant experience and how it aligns with the job role.
    • Outcome: I progressed to the final round.

  • Round 4 - One-on-One Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell me about your educational background.
      2. Your future aspirations.
      3. Reason behind leaving your last job.
    • Your Approach: I discussed my academic journey, career goals, and provided a professional reason for my job transition.
    • Outcome: Awaiting final results.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be thorough about markets and their constituents.
  • Strengthen your finance knowledge, especially related to valuation.
  • Read and understand the job description thoroughly.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was structured and focused on both technical and personal fit. I ensured I was well-prepared with financial concepts and could articulate my experiences clearly. For future candidates, I recommend brushing up on core finance topics and being ready to discuss your background and aspirations confidently.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: [Not specified]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Walk me through your CV.
    • Your Approach: I focused on highlighting my relevant experience and skills that aligned with the role.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

  • Round 2 - Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Mainly about any difficulties I’ve faced in the past.
    • Your Approach: I shared specific examples of challenges I encountered and how I overcame them.
    • Outcome: [Not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in detail.
  • Reflect on past challenges and how you handled them.
  • Keep the conversation concise and within the allotted time (30 minutes per round).

Conclusion:
The interview experience was smooth, with a clear focus on technical and behavioral aspects. The interviewers were punctual, and the rounds were well-structured. For future candidates, I recommend being concise and prepared with specific examples from your experience.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via Naukri.com before August 2020.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Summary of the existing work profile was requested, along with general interview questions.

  • Your Approach: Provided a crisp and brief summary of my work profile, highlighting key achievements and projects handled.

  • Outcome: [Not specified]

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Not specified]

  • Your Approach: [Not specified]

  • Outcome: [Not specified]

  • Round 3 - Department Head Interview:

  • Questions Asked: [Not specified]

  • Your Approach: [Not specified]

  • Outcome: [Not specified]

(Note: The candidate mentioned 5 interview rounds, but details for the remaining rounds were not provided.)

Preparation Tips:

  • Provide a concise and clear summary of your work profile.
  • Highlight any notable achievements or projects you have handled.

Conclusion:

  • The interview process was comprehensive, covering technical, HR, and department head rounds.
  • Focusing on presenting a clear and impactful summary of my work profile was beneficial.
  • Future candidates should prepare to discuss their achievements and projects in detail.
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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via the company website in May 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

  • Questions Asked: Questions were related to the job profile (roles & responsibilities) of the current job and understanding of the role at Morgan Stanley.

  • Your Approach: Focused on aligning my current role’s responsibilities with the expectations of the position at Morgan Stanley.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

  • Questions Asked: General HR questions about my background, experience, and fit for the role.

  • Your Approach: Maintained honesty and clarity in my responses, especially about areas I was unsure of.

  • Outcome: Cleared the round.

  • Round 3 - Final Interview:

  • Questions Asked: A mix of technical and behavioral questions to assess overall suitability.

  • Your Approach: Balanced technical knowledge with soft skills, ensuring a positive and confident demeanor.

  • Outcome: Received positive feedback and moved forward in the process.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be positive and honest about your past experiences. If unsure about something, admit it upfront but show willingness to learn.
  • Understand the job profile thoroughly and align your responses accordingly.

Conclusion:
The interview process was smooth and well-structured. Being honest and upfront about my skills and limitations worked in my favor. For future candidates, I’d recommend thorough preparation about the role and maintaining a positive attitude throughout the process.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via the company website in March 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Reason for job switch.
      • Reason for role switch.
      • Technical role-related questions.
    • Your Approach: Focused on explaining my career transition logically and confidently. Prepared to discuss how my current skills align with the new role.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - HR Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Personal and professional background.
      • How my skills are transferable to the new role.
    • Your Approach: Connected with the interviewer on a personal level while maintaining professionalism. Highlighted relevant experiences.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round.

  • Round 3 - Final Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Detailed discussion about my CV.
      • Scenario-based questions related to the role.
    • Your Approach: Ensured thorough knowledge of my CV and confidently addressed scenario-based questions.
    • Outcome: Received a positive response.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be confident and maintain a positive demeanor.
  • Establish a personal connection with the interviewer.
  • Master every detail on your CV.
  • Prepare to explain how your current skills apply to the new role.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but manageable. Being well-prepared and confident made a significant difference. My advice to future candidates is to focus on their CV details and practice articulating their career transitions clearly.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: Not specified

Application Process: Applied via Naukri.com and was interviewed before August 2020.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical/HR:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Tell about yourself.
      2. They elaborated about derivatives and the new job profile. Asked why I wanted to change domains (since I was in cash) and if I would be able to cope.
      3. Achievements and an example of how well I handled a situation in my previous job.
      4. New process-related terminologies.
    • Your Approach: I answered confidently, focusing on my adaptability and willingness to learn new domains. For the situational question, I provided a clear example of problem-solving from my previous role.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be confident and straightforward with your answers. Avoid beating around the bush.
  • Learn the terminologies well for the role you are applying for. Do thorough homework about the domain and job profile.

Conclusion:
The interview was a mix of technical and HR questions, with a focus on domain knowledge and adaptability. Being confident and well-prepared with the relevant terminologies helped me perform well. For future candidates, I recommend researching the role thoroughly and practicing clear, concise answers.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I applied through campus placement and was interviewed before February 2023.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. What do you mean by Hedge funds?
      2. Explain Private Placement.
      3. Difference between mutual fund and hedge fund.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by revising key financial concepts and ensuring I understood the distinctions between different investment vehicles. I answered concisely, providing examples where necessary.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round successfully.

  • Round 2 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked:
      1. Questions were entirely based on soft skills, such as leadership qualities, teamwork, and problem-solving.
    • Your Approach: I focused on sharing real-life examples from my academic and extracurricular activities to demonstrate my soft skills.
    • Outcome: Cleared this round as well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on financial terms and concepts, especially those related to investment banking and wealth management.
  • Practice articulating your thoughts clearly for the HR round, focusing on soft skills and leadership examples.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was smooth, and the questions were aligned with the role’s requirements. I could have prepared more thoroughly for the HR round by rehearsing my answers to common soft-skill questions. My advice to future candidates is to balance technical and soft-skill preparation equally.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via the company website in May 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical:

  • Questions Asked:

    • Most of the questions were about KYC (Know Your Customer) and what information and documentation is collected while updating KYC for clients.

  • Your Approach: Focused on explaining the KYC process, the types of documents required, and the importance of compliance in financial institutions.

  • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round by demonstrating a clear understanding of KYC procedures.

  • Round 2 - HR:

  • Questions Asked:

    • “What are your expectations, and where do you see yourself?”

  • Your Approach: Shared career aspirations and how the role aligns with my long-term goals, emphasizing growth and contribution to the company.

  • Outcome: Advanced to the next round after providing a thoughtful and aligned response.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding the core concepts related to the role, such as KYC, compliance, and financial regulations.
  • Practice answering HR questions about career goals and expectations clearly and confidently.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough and focused on both technical and interpersonal skills. Preparing well for KYC-related questions and articulating career goals clearly helped me succeed. For future candidates, I recommend brushing up on compliance topics and being ready to discuss your professional journey in detail.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Round:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. What are fixed income products?
      2. What is the CBV process?
    • Your Approach:
      • For the first question, I explained fixed income products as financial instruments that provide returns in the form of fixed periodic payments and eventual return of principal at maturity. I gave examples like bonds and treasury bills.
      • For the second question, I described the CBV (Cost Basis Validation) process as a method used to validate the cost basis of securities for tax reporting purposes, ensuring accuracy in capital gains calculations.
    • Outcome: [Result not provided]

Top Skills Recommended: Corporate Actions, Data Management, Analytical skills, Auditing, Equity, Balance Sheet, Python, Project Management.

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Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Associate

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied via campus placement before November 2021.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Resume Shortlist:

    • Questions Asked: Resume screening to ensure alignment with the role.
    • Your Approach: Ensured my resume was well-formatted and highlighted relevant skills.
    • Outcome: Successfully shortlisted for the next round.

  • Round 2 - Coding Test:

    • Questions Asked: Complex logical coding exam along with a finance basics test.
    • Your Approach: Focused on solving logical problems efficiently and brushed up on basic finance concepts.
    • Outcome: Cleared the round and moved to the technical interviews.

  • Round 3 - Technical Round 1:

    • Questions Asked: Puzzle-solving, guesstimate, and financial aspect questions.
    • Your Approach: Tackled puzzles methodically and applied financial knowledge where required.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next technical round.

  • Round 4 - Technical Round 2:

    • Questions Asked: Background discussion, high-level language questions, and algorithms.
    • Your Approach: Explained my background clearly and demonstrated proficiency in algorithms.
    • Outcome: Proceeded to the HR round.

  • Round 5 - HR Round:

    • Questions Asked: “Why do you want to join Morgan Stanley?” and “Why should we hire you?”
    • Your Approach: Highlighted my enthusiasm for the role and alignment with the company’s values.
    • Outcome: Received positive feedback and an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Ensure all answers related to your resume are well-prepared.
  • Stay enthusiastic and updated on current events.
  • Practice logical puzzles and coding problems.
  • Brush up on finance basics and algorithms.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but rewarding. Being well-prepared for each round, especially the technical and HR rounds, made a significant difference. I recommend future candidates to focus on their resume details, logical problem-solving, and financial knowledge to succeed in the process.