Group selection at Morgan Stanley

Question

Hey all,

I’m currently preparing for interviews at Morgan Stanley and trying to better understand how group placement works, especially if I get to the offer stage. I know group selection can make a huge difference in terms of your experience, learning, and exits, but I’m still a bit lost on how much flexibility you actually have, and how to approach this strategically.

I’ve heard that certain groups at MS are especially strong, but also that it’s super competitive to get into them. I’m interested in M&A generally but haven’t fully narrowed down an industry yet. I’d ideally want to end up in a group with solid deal flow, a strong analyst culture, and decent hours (as much as that’s possible in IB).

How does Morgan Stanley handle placement? Do interns get to express preferences? And are there real differences in how the groups are run in terms of culture, hours, and exposure?

Would love to hear from anyone who’s gone through the process or has insight into what actually matters when choosing a group at MS.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hey! From what I’ve seen, group placement at Morgan Stanley happens after you get the offer. You’ll have the chance to speak with different groups (usually through coffee chats), submit your preferences, and then they try to match you based on mutual interest. So yes, you do have input, but it’s not totally in your control.

And yeah, there are definitely real differences between groups in terms of culture, hours, and deal exposure. Some groups like M&A, Tech, or Industrials have strong reputations but are also super competitive and can be more intense in terms of hours. Culture really varies too, so it’s worth taking those chats seriously and asking honest questions.

If you’re generally into M&A but haven’t picked an industry yet, that’s totally fine. A lot of people figure that out during the process or even once they’re in the role. Focus more on where you click with the people. That often matters more than the group name itself, honestly.

Answer 2

Hey There!

At Morgan Stanley, group placement usually happens after the internship, and performance during the summer plays a big role. Interns are often asked to indicate their preferences, but final placement depends on both business needs and how strongly you’ve networked with specific teams. This means it’s important to start building relationships with different groups early on, asking questions about their work, and showing genuine interest.

Groups with stronger deal flow, like M&A and certain industry coverage teams, are always in higher demand, so demonstrating both technical ability and cultural fit during the internship will help your chances.

There are definitely differences across groups in terms of culture, exposure, and even lifestyle. Some industry groups run leaner teams, which can give you more responsibility but also mean longer hours. Others might be more structured and supportive, with steadier workflows. What matters most is finding a balance between your interests and where you’ll get the best experience. Since you’re not yet fixed on an industry, keeping an open mind and focusing on networking during the internship is the best strategy. This way, you’ll have a clearer view of which group aligns with your goals when placement discussions come up.

Answer 3

Hey there! Group placement at Morgan Stanley is a key part of your experience, and yes, there are real differences across groups.

Interns usually submit preferences mid-internship based on early exposure, networking, and informal conversations. For full-time offers, you’ll typically rank groups, but final placement depends on performance, fit, and group demand—top groups (like M&A, Tech, FIG) are competitive.

In terms of culture and hours, it varies:

M&A and Tech tend to be fast-paced, high deal flow, longer hours
Industrials, Healthcare, FIG also strong, but some have more structured teams or slightly better work-life balance
Real Estate, Power, and Infra sometimes offer better hours with solid deal exposure

Best approach: network early, ask good questions, and prioritize learning environment and exit optionality over just prestige. You’ll grow most in a group where you have real reps and supportive mentors.