Morgan Stanley Business Analyst Interview Questions & Experience Guide

Interview Preparation
,
21

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: I applied for the Business Analyst role at Morgan Stanley through their online job portal. The application process was straightforward, requiring a resume upload and a few basic details.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      1. Can you walk me through your resume and highlight any relevant experience for this role?
      2. How would you approach analyzing a dataset to identify trends?
      3. Describe a time when you had to work under tight deadlines. How did you manage it?
    • Your Approach: I focused on aligning my past experiences with the job requirements, emphasizing my analytical skills and ability to handle pressure. For the dataset question, I outlined a step-by-step approach involving data cleaning, visualization, and trend analysis.
    • Outcome: Passed this round and was invited for the next stage.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on basic data analysis concepts and be ready to discuss your resume in detail.
  • Practice structuring your answers using the STAR method for behavioral questions.

Conclusion:
The phone interview was a great start to the process. I felt prepared, but I could have been more concise in my answers. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing mock interviews to refine your delivery.

22

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: I was referred by someone in a different department whom I’d spoken to about a position that had been filled. He liked me enough to refer me to another group despite the lack of openings in his own group.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - In-Person Interview with Direct Manager:

    • Questions Asked: The interview focused on my background, skills, and how I would fit into the role. Questions included my experience with data analysis, problem-solving approaches, and teamwork.
    • Your Approach: I highlighted my relevant experience, provided examples of past projects, and emphasized my ability to collaborate with teams.
    • Outcome: Positive feedback; moved to the next round.

  • Round 2 - In-Person Interview with Head of the Group:

    • Questions Asked: More strategic questions about how I would handle specific business challenges, my understanding of the industry, and my long-term career goals.
    • Your Approach: I tied my answers to the company’s goals, demonstrated industry knowledge, and aligned my career aspirations with the role.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the final round.

  • Round 3 - In-Person Interview with Head of the Department:

    • Questions Asked: High-level questions about my vision for the role, leadership potential, and how I would contribute to the department’s success.
    • Your Approach: I focused on my leadership experiences, strategic thinking, and how I could add value to the department.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and received an offer.

Preparation Tips:

  • Research the company’s business model and recent developments.
  • Practice answering behavioral and situational questions with real-life examples.
  • Understand the role’s responsibilities and how your skills align with them.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was rigorous but rewarding. The referral helped me get my foot in the door, but thorough preparation and clear communication were key to securing the offer. I’d advise future candidates to network actively and prepare extensively for both technical and behavioral questions.

23

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: NY Office (for next round)

Application Process: Applied through university placement (IIT). The first round was conducted on campus, and the next round will be held at the NY office.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical Interview (On Campus):

    • Questions Asked:

      • How will you reverse a linked list?
      • Resume-based questions
      • Some financial and Unix-related questions

    • Your Approach:

      • For reversing the linked list, I explained both iterative and recursive approaches.
      • For resume questions, I highlighted my relevant projects and experiences.
      • For financial and Unix questions, I relied on my coursework and self-study.

    • Outcome: Cleared this round and invited to the next round at the NY office.

  • Round 2 - Group Activity and Technical Interviews (NY Office):

    • Questions Asked:

      • Details not provided yet, but it will include a group activity and 3 technical interviews.

    • Your Approach: Planning to prepare thoroughly for technical topics and practice group dynamics for the activity.

    • Outcome: Pending (upcoming round).

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on data structures (especially linked lists).
  • Revise financial concepts and Unix commands.
  • Practice explaining your resume clearly.
  • Prepare for group activities by working on teamwork and communication skills.

Conclusion:
The first round was straightforward, but I need to prepare more for the technical depth expected in the NY office round. Group activities are new to me, so I’ll practice collaborative problem-solving. Overall, excited for the next challenge!

24

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: I applied through my college’s placement program and was invited to a 1:1 interview on campus. It took about a week for them to get back to me after the application.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - On-Campus Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interview was quite challenging, covering a mix of technical and analytical questions. Unfortunately, I don’t recall the exact questions, but they were focused on problem-solving and business analysis scenarios.
    • Your Approach: I tried to tackle the questions logically, but I realized I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been. My responses felt a bit unstructured under pressure.
    • Outcome: I did not hear back from them after the interview, so I assume I didn’t make it to the next round.

Conclusion:
Overall, the experience was a bit tough, and I learned that preparation is key, especially for technical and analytical roles. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing problem-solving and business case studies thoroughly before the interview. Also, staying calm and structured in your responses can make a big difference!

25

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst (Summer Internship)

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process: Applied through campus placement for the summer internship role.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - On-Campus Technical Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interview was primarily technical and focused on my resume. Questions included details about my past projects, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
    • Your Approach: I prepared by thoroughly reviewing my resume and ensuring I could explain every project and skill mentioned. I also practiced common technical questions related to my field.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared this round and was invited for the next round at the company’s office.

  • Round 2 - Company Office Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This round consisted of two group activities and three technical plus behavioral interviews. The group activities tested teamwork and problem-solving skills. The technical interviews delved deeper into my knowledge, while the behavioral questions assessed my fit for the company culture.
    • Your Approach: For the group activities, I focused on collaboration and clear communication. For the technical interviews, I revisited core concepts and practiced explaining my thought process. For behavioral questions, I prepared examples from my past experiences.
    • Outcome: The outcome of this round is not specified, but it was a comprehensive evaluation of both technical and soft skills.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review your resume thoroughly and be ready to discuss every detail.
  • Practice common technical questions related to your role.
  • Work on teamwork and communication skills for group activities.
  • Prepare examples for behavioral questions using the STAR method.

Conclusion:
The interview process was well-structured and tested both technical and behavioral aspects. The on-campus round was straightforward, while the office round was more intensive. I recommend focusing on clear communication and thorough preparation for both technical and behavioral questions.

26

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Screening with Managers:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Questions about previous experiences.
      • Explanation of the challenges the team was encountering.
    • Your Approach:
      • Answered questions about previous experiences confidently.
      • Showed understanding and interest in the team’s challenges.
    • Outcome:
      • The interview went smoothly.

Preparation Tips:

  • Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in detail.
  • Research the company and the team to understand potential challenges they might face.

Conclusion:
The interview was a positive experience, with a focus on understanding my background and how it aligns with the team’s needs. Being well-prepared to discuss past experiences and showing genuine interest in the team’s challenges helped make the conversation smooth and engaging.

27

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: The process began with a phone interview, which was more conversational in nature. Shortly after the first interview, I was called back for a second interview with a colleague, which was unexpected but taken as a positive sign. The same day, I received and accepted an offer.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The questions were more conversational, focusing on my background, interests, and fit for the role.
    • Your Approach: I treated it like a friendly discussion, ensuring I highlighted my relevant skills and enthusiasm for the position.
    • Outcome: Passed and was invited for a second interview immediately.

  • Round 2 - Follow-up Phone Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Similar to the first round, with a bit more depth about my experiences and how they align with the role.
    • Your Approach: I maintained a conversational tone, building on the rapport from the first interview.
    • Outcome: Successfully passed and received an offer later that day.

Conclusion:
The overall experience was smooth and surprisingly straightforward. The conversational nature of the interviews made it less stressful, and being called back for a second interview quickly was a great sign. My advice for future candidates is to stay relaxed, be yourself, and treat the interview as a two-way conversation to assess fit.

28

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Interview with Multiple Team Members:
    • Questions Asked: The interview involved meeting with 6 different team members for 30 minutes each. Each interviewer clearly described their responsibilities and the expectations for the role.
    • Your Approach: The candidate engaged actively, listening carefully to the interviewers and responding to their questions with clarity and confidence.
    • Outcome: The interviewers were professional and provided a positive experience, though the specific outcome (pass/fail) was not mentioned.

Preparation Tips:

  • Focus on understanding the role and responsibilities of a Business Analyst at Morgan Stanley.
  • Practice clear and confident communication, as the interviewers valued this trait.
  • Be prepared to engage with multiple interviewers in a short span of time.

Conclusion:
The interview was challenging but provided a great opportunity to learn about the role and the company culture. The office environment was friendly and positive, which made the experience enjoyable. Future candidates should focus on being articulate and confident in their responses.

29

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied through campus placement. The process involved two interviews: one conducted at the school and another on-site interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Technical & Behavioral Interview:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Why Morgan Stanley?
      • Why the Business Analyst role?
      • Strengths and weaknesses.
      • Basic coding questions.
    • Your Approach:
      • Prepared answers for behavioral questions in advance, focusing on aligning my skills and interests with the company’s values and the role.
      • For coding questions, I practiced problem-solving on platforms like LeetCode to ensure I could think on my feet.
    • Outcome: Successfully cleared the round and was invited for the on-site interview.

  • Round 2 - On-site Interviews:

    • Questions Asked:
      • Multiple back-to-back interviews covering:
        • Coding questions (intermediate level).
        • Behavioral questions (teamwork, problem-solving scenarios).
        • Brainteasers to test logical thinking.
    • Your Approach:
      • Stayed calm and methodical during coding and brainteasers, breaking problems into smaller parts.
      • Used the STAR method for behavioral questions to provide structured answers.
    • Outcome: Performed well overall and received positive feedback.

Preparation Tips:

  • Practice coding regularly, especially problem-solving and data structures.
  • Prepare for behavioral questions using the STAR method.
  • Solve brainteasers to improve logical thinking under pressure.

Conclusion:
The interview process was thorough but fair. I felt well-prepared for the technical and behavioral aspects, but I could have practiced more brainteasers to feel even more confident. My advice for future candidates is to balance preparation between technical skills and soft skills, as both are equally important for this role.

30

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied at a job fair. Received a call for a phone interview after 2 weeks.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:
  • Questions Asked:
    • Asked to code a linked list problem directly on the computer during the call.
  • Your Approach:
    • Was caught off guard as no basic concepts were discussed beforehand. Attempted to solve the problem but found it challenging due to the sudden nature of the task.
  • Outcome:
    • Did not proceed to further rounds.

Conclusion:
The interview was unexpected in its approach, focusing solely on coding without any preliminary discussion. My advice would be to thoroughly prepare for coding challenges if applying for a technology-related position, even if the role is not strictly technical. Additionally, ensure you are comfortable with live coding under pressure.

31

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: I came through a phone interview arranged by a staffing agency. The interviewer reviewed my resume and discussed my past experience and passion for the role.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked about my past experience and why I was interested in the Business Analyst position.
    • Your Approach: I highlighted relevant experiences from my resume and expressed my enthusiasm for the role, aligning my skills with the job requirements.
    • Outcome: The interview went well, and I am currently waiting for a response.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a positive experience. I felt prepared and confident in discussing my background. For future candidates, I’d recommend thoroughly reviewing your resume and being ready to articulate how your skills align with the role.

32

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: I received a phone call from a staffing agency, and they submitted my resume. Later, I got an interview scheduled with the company.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:

    • Questions Asked: The interview was conducted by two employers from the testing team. The questions were primarily focused on my experience, skills, and how I would approach the role of a Business Analyst.
    • Your Approach: I answered the questions by highlighting my relevant experience and explaining how my skills align with the requirements of the role. I also provided examples of past projects to demonstrate my capabilities.
    • Outcome: The interview lasted around one and a half hours, and I felt confident about my performance.

  • Round 2 - Face-to-Face Interview:

    • Questions Asked: This round was more detailed, with questions about specific scenarios, problem-solving, and how I would handle challenges in the role.
    • Your Approach: I used the STAR method to structure my answers, ensuring I covered the Situation, Task, Action, and Result for each scenario.
    • Outcome: The interviewers seemed engaged, and I received positive feedback about my responses.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on common Business Analyst interview questions and practice the STAR method for behavioral questions.
  • Review your resume thoroughly and be ready to discuss any project or experience mentioned in it.
  • Research the company and the specific team you’re interviewing with to tailor your answers.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview process was thorough but fair. I felt well-prepared, and the interviewers were professional and welcoming. My advice to future candidates is to stay calm, be confident, and ensure you understand the role and company culture before the interview.

33

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: On-campus

Application Process: Applied through on-campus recruitment.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Final Interview (On-campus):
    • Questions Asked:
      • Questions about my resumé and past experiences.
      • Brain teaser questions.
      • “Why did you decide to pursue a Business Analyst role despite majoring in Computer Science?”
      • “What transferrable skills do you have that make you suitable for this role?”
    • Your Approach:
      • Focused on highlighting relevant experiences from my resumé.
      • Tried to logically solve the brain teasers, though I felt a bit unprepared for them.
      • Emphasized my analytical skills and ability to bridge technical and business domains.
    • Outcome: Awaiting results, but the interview felt balanced overall.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on brain teasers and logical puzzles beforehand.
  • Be ready to articulate why you’re transitioning from a technical major to a BA role.
  • Practice discussing transferrable skills clearly.

Conclusion:
The interview was a good learning experience. While I could have prepared more for the brain teasers, I was able to confidently discuss my resumé and motivations. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing brain teasers and being clear about your career pivot reasoning.

34

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: On-campus

Application Process:
I applied through the on-campus recruiting event at my university. My resume was selected, and after about a week, I was notified to schedule an on-campus interview.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - On-Campus Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked questions based on my resume, focusing on my past experiences, projects, and skills relevant to the Business Analyst role. They also inquired about my understanding of the financial industry and how I would approach problem-solving in a business context.
    • Your Approach: I tried to articulate my experiences clearly, linking them to the role’s requirements. I also emphasized my analytical skills and how they align with the responsibilities of a Business Analyst. For the industry-related questions, I shared my general understanding and expressed eagerness to learn more.
    • Outcome: Unfortunately, I received a denial after about three weeks. The feedback was that they were looking for candidates with more specific domain knowledge or experience.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a great learning experience. The interviewer was friendly and professional, which made the process less stressful. Reflecting on it, I realize I could have prepared more thoroughly about Morgan Stanley’s business model and the financial industry. For future candidates, I’d recommend researching the company deeply and brushing up on domain-specific knowledge to stand out.

35

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: Applied through the company’s career portal. The process began with a phone interview, followed by a Superday event.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Phone Interview:

  • Questions Asked: General behavioral questions, some basic technical questions about the role.

  • Your Approach: Focused on clear communication and structured answers for behavioral questions. For technical questions, I relied on my understanding of the BA role and its responsibilities.

  • Outcome: Passed and invited to the Superday.

  • Round 2 - Superday (Group Activity):

  • Questions Asked: Collaborative problem-solving task with other candidates.

  • Your Approach: Actively participated, listened to others, and contributed ideas while ensuring the team stayed on track.

  • Outcome: Successfully completed the activity and moved to individual interviews.

  • Round 3 - Superday (Individual Interviews):

  • Questions Asked: Started with behavioral questions (e.g., “Tell me about a time you handled a conflict”) and transitioned into technical questions about requirements gathering, SDLC, and BA tools.

  • Your Approach: Used the STAR method for behavioral questions. For technical questions, I drew from my coursework and prior internship experience.

  • Outcome: Felt confident about my answers; awaiting final results.

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on SDLC methodologies (Agile, Waterfall).
  • Review common BA tools and techniques for requirements gathering.
  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method.

Conclusion:
Overall, the process was well-structured and mirrored what I’d read about BA interviews at Morgan Stanley. I wish I had prepared more for the group activity, as it was a bit unexpected. My advice to future candidates: focus on both technical and behavioral aspects, and be ready to collaborate effectively in group settings.

36

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Application process details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Manager Interview:
    • Questions Asked:
      • Can you describe your PowerPoint skills?
      • Can you provide details about some projects you’ve worked on?
    • Your Approach:
      • I highlighted my proficiency in PowerPoint, mentioning specific projects where I used it extensively.
      • I discussed my hands-on experience in previous roles, focusing on projects relevant to the Fixed Income department.
    • Outcome: [Outcome not specified]

Preparation Tips:

  • Brush up on PowerPoint skills and be ready to discuss specific projects in detail.
  • Research the Fixed Income department to align your experience with their needs.

Conclusion:
The interview was focused on practical skills and project experience. Being well-prepared to discuss hands-on work and aligning it with the department’s requirements would be beneficial for future candidates.

37

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Application Process: Applied through an agency. It took 2 weeks for them to confirm their interest in me.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Face-to-Face Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Details not provided.
    • Your Approach: Not specified.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 2 - Phone Call with Senior Manager (England):

    • Questions Asked: Details not provided.
    • Your Approach: Not specified.
    • Outcome: Advanced to the next round.

  • Round 3 - Second Face-to-Face Interview:

    • Questions Asked: Details not provided.
    • Your Approach: Not specified.
    • Outcome: Final outcome not specified.

Conclusion:
The process was fast and efficient, with no unnecessary delays. The team seemed focused and respectful of my time. While I don’t have specific details about the questions asked, the overall experience was positive. For future candidates, I’d recommend being prepared for a quick turnaround between rounds and ensuring you’re ready to engage with senior stakeholders, as the process involved interactions with a manager from England.

38

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Location not specified]

Application Process: [Details not provided]

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - In-Person Interview with Managers:
    • Questions Asked: [Specific questions not provided]
    • Your Approach: The interview went well, and the managers seemed impressed with the responses.
    • Outcome: Despite the positive interaction, no offer was extended, and no negative feedback was received.

Conclusion:

The overall experience was positive, with the interviewers appearing satisfied with the performance. However, the lack of an offer without feedback was disappointing. For future candidates, it might be helpful to proactively ask for feedback if an offer isn’t extended, to understand areas for improvement.

39

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: On Campus

Application Process: Applied through on-campus recruitment. I had the opportunity to speak with a senior employee during the process.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Behavioral Interview:
    • Questions Asked: The interviewer asked behavior-based questions and dug into my resume, specifically focusing on a project I completed during an internship. They inquired about better solutions or improvements for that project.
    • Your Approach: I stayed calm and confident, explaining my thought process clearly. I also highlighted the learnings from my internship and how I could have optimized the project further.
    • Outcome: The interviewer was kind and supportive, and I felt the conversation went well.

Preparation Tips:

  • Review your resume thoroughly and be prepared to discuss any project or experience mentioned in detail.
  • Practice behavioral questions using the STAR method to structure your answers effectively.
  • Think critically about your past work and how you could improve it, as interviewers may ask for alternative solutions.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a positive experience. The interviewer was approachable, which helped ease my nerves. Reflecting on it, I could have prepared more concrete examples of how I handled challenges in my projects. For future candidates, I’d recommend practicing behavioral questions and being ready to defend or improve upon any aspect of your resume.

40

Company Name: Morgan Stanley

Position: Business Analyst

Location: [Not specified]

Application Process:
I was referred by a staffing agency for this role. The job description provided by the agency was quite vague, so I didn’t have a clear understanding of the exact responsibilities of the position.

Interview Rounds:

  • Round 1 - Initial Screening:
  • Questions Asked:
    • The interviewer asked about my previous internship experience in NYC.
    • They also inquired how I learned about the job they were offering.
  • Your Approach:
    • I focused on highlighting the skills and experiences from my internship that were relevant to the role.
    • I explained that the staffing agency introduced me to the opportunity, but I also expressed my enthusiasm for the company and the role.
  • Outcome:
    • The interviewer seemed interested in my background, but the lack of clarity about the role made it challenging to align my responses perfectly.

Conclusion:
Overall, the interview was a learning experience. I realized the importance of thoroughly understanding the job description before the interview. For future candidates, I’d recommend asking the staffing agency or recruiter for more details about the role to better prepare and tailor your responses.