Professional development and peer engagement are crucial building blocks to a career’s strong foundation, says Susan Reid, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Morgan Stanley.
Morgan Stanley is committed to the development of its diverse workforce at all career stages. Through unique programming tailored to various employee populations, the firm is able to help employees develop the skills and networks that are essential for career success.
In December, 2014, the firm introduced a new program specifically geared toward junior multicultural talent. The inaugural Multicultural Professional Development Series provides African-American and Hispanic Analysts and Associates hired within the past 12 months with engaging professional development sessions and interactions with senior leaders that will focus on four key areas—careers, commercial thinking, relationships and communications skills—that are integral to starting their careers at Morgan Stanley on the right track.
“Professional development and peer engagement are crucial building blocks to a career’s strong foundation,” says Susan Reid, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Morgan Stanley. “This program, focused on Analyst and Associate new hires, will deliver sessions that will help employees in the early stages of their careers get the skills they need to continue to grow and be successful in their roles.”
While this particular series is new and focuses on junior multicultural talent, several other Morgan Stanley professional development programs benefit the firm’s diverse workforce at a variety of levels. Programs for US-based employees include Morgan Stanley’s Leadership Engagement and Development (LEAD) program—a six-month program for African-American and Hispanic Vice Presidents and Executive Directors to focus on skills and development, building networks and leadership skills—and the Multicultural Leadership Summit for diverse Financial Advisors, offering them peer mentoring, business development and networking opportunities. There are also many career development offerings for women, including the Vice President Women’s Development Series, which provide rising female employees with opportunities to participate in a variety of sessions on leadership, career and business development, and networking.
Several programs are also offered in the firm’s international locations, including Morgan Stanley’s Jet Programme, a career management program for black employees based in the firm’s London office that offers participants tools to develop their careers and interact with senior stakeholders across the firm. Whether an employee is just starting his or her career, or expanding into a role that affords more opportunity to lead, Morgan Stanley is dedicated to ensuring that the tools and resources necessary are available to all of its employees.
