Your Opportunity as an Associate in Research

As a Research Associate (RA), you will be given all of the tools and training necessary to become an industry expert, follow the markets, and create assumptions on stock performance. You will be guided on the analytical and qualitative skills necessary to do the job well. Additionally, you will be coached on higher level skills, such as developing clients, communicating with Sales & Trading and developing a franchise. You will be assigned a mentor to accelerate your integration into the division and the firm. Mentors may provide career advice and guidance for recent graduates and education about the research business, clients, and products.

The Associate Program in Research
How the program works and the day-to-day experience you can expect

Associates play an essential role in assisting the Morgan Stanley Research team in maintaining and enhancing our global research reputation. Individuals are typically assigned to a dedicated industry team and are constantly analyzing the industry and the companies that they cover.

Typical roles and responsibilities include:

• Gathering and analyzing industry data to develop an industry vision
• Analyzing emerging trends in an industry or macro-economy
• Preparing comprehensive company reports
• Assessing relative stock valuations and reviewing findings with senior team members and, ultimately, with internal and external clients

Launching Your Career
The initial training that you receive on starting the program

The Associate Program begins with a four-to-six week training and development curriculum to equip you with the fundamental skills and professional awareness you will need to be successful in the position and the firm.

Training will focus on in-depth accounting, financial modeling (including case studies) and overviews on Morgan Stanley as a business. Additionally, you may also be trained on ModelWare, which is our proprietary model-building system. You may also participate in training and study sessions to prepare you for the Series 7 and Series 63 exams.

Along with formal training, you may be assigned a mentor upon arrival at the firm. The mentor is generally a senior-level person in the division, but not someone with whom you will be working directly. This person may help guide your career, prepare you for what’s ahead and assist you with career planning. Traditionally, mentoring relationships last years and can make all the difference in your career.

Developing Your Career
What you can anticipate as you make progress and after completing the program

As an Associate, you will be heavily involved in the analysis of companies under coverage. If your team is growing their coverage universe, you may be in charge of initiation reports and building models from scratch. Additionally, you will receive ongoing training to help bring you to the next level. Training on high-level writing, stock pitching and marketing would all be part of your development.

Is Research Right for You?
A checklist to help you decide if you have the skills and temperament for this area

• You have strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• You are an excellent communicator and are comfortable dealing with clients.
• You have intellectual curiosity, focus and creativity.
• You have a keen research instinct and creative problem-solving abilities.
• You have a strong interest in the financial markets.
• You have an entrepreneurial spirit.
• You are a team player.

Selection Process

Initial interviews will happen on campus and later rounds may allow you the opportunity to experience a visit to our New York office. The interviews are hosted by both senior-level Lead Analysts as well as Associates and Junior Associates. Our culture is very collaborative and we would want you to meet those who will guide your career, as well as those who will be working with you on a day-to-day basis.

How to Apply

Requirements

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or MBA Degree, Language skills – native level Japanese and very strong business English

-  Employment Location: As part of this program, you will spend your first 1-2years working in our US or London offices’ research department, after which you are expected to transition to Tokyo.