Is it realistic to move from Big 4 Advisory to Morgan Stanley?

Question

I’ve been working in Transaction Services at a Big 4 firm for just over two years, primarily focused on financial due diligence for M&A deals. While I’ve gained solid exposure to the deal process, I know that my experience isn’t the same as being in an investment banking role.

I studied at a target school (Cambridge) with a highly quantitative background (Engineering), and I’m now seriously considering trying to move into investment banking (ideally Morgan Stanley). That said, I’ve come across a lot of views suggesting that BB firms tend to overlook Big 4 candidates unless they have very specific experience.

Is this true in practice? Would really appreciate any advice or perspective on whether this move is viable.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, it’s definitely doable to move from Big 4 into investment banking at a place like Morgan Stanley—especially with your background. Coming from Cambridge with an engineering degree gives you a strong academic edge, and your financial experience means you already understand deal dynamics, even if it's not full execution work.

What makes the difference is how you frame that experience: showing not just what you did, but how it’s prepared you for the pace and demands of banking. It helps a lot to be confident with valuation work, and getting on the radar through targeted outreach can open doors. Plenty have made similar moves—it’s about positioning yourself well and being persistent.

Networking is key—cold outreach and alumni connections can go a long way, especially for lateral or off-cycle roles.

If Morgan Stanley doesn’t open up right away, consider boutiques or mid-market banks as stepping stones. Plenty of people have made this jump—you just need the right story, solid prep, and persistence.

Answer 2

Yes, but you’ll need to bridge the gap strategically. Your background (Cambridge + quant degree + deal exposure) is strong—it’s about framing it right.

I myself worked in EY & KPMG Transaction Advisory Service lines and made a transition to buy-side M&A, it's very much doable!

Where You Stand-

Pros: You’ve touched M&A processes (due diligence, adjustments), have target-school cred, and a technical degree. That’s 80% of the battle.
Cons: BBs prefer IB interns or boutique bankers. Your TS work isn’t "real banking," but it can work wonders, if you position it well.

How to position yourself-

Rewrite Your CV Like an IBanker’s
- Ditch generic TS points. Focus on:
  - Deal impact
  - Modeling
  - Clients
Network Aggressively
- Hit up Cambridge alumni at Morgan Stanley, ask for referrals
- Target associates/VPs who made a similar jump (LinkedIn can help!)
Prep right
- Know LBOs, DCFs, and M&A math. Bankers will test you on this hard

Your potential paths in-

Option 1: Off-cycle internship at MS (they take experienced hires sometimes)
Option 2: Lateral to a boutique first (e.g., Rothschild, Houlihan Lokey), then pivot to BB
Option 3: Corporate Finance at Big 4 → BB (longer route, but works well)

Bottom Line

BBs don’t overlook Big 4 candidates, they just overlook irrelevant experience. You need to just sell your experience well. Cambridge buys you credibility; TS deal experience gets you in the door if you make it explicitly relevant.

Answer 3

Hey there!

Yes, making the move from Big 4 TS to Morgan Stanley is definitely possible, even if it's not the most common path. Your background from Cambridge and your M&A exposure put you in a strong position. The important thing is to clearly show how your experience connects to the broader deal process, not just the financials. If you’re solid on the technical side and tell a convincing story about why you want to switch, you absolutely have a shot. It might take some networking and prep, but it’s a realistic goal.

Answer 4

Hi There!

Your background in Transaction Services combined with a strong academic foundation from Cambridge makes this move very possible. While it's true that Big 4 candidates sometimes face challenges when competing with traditional investment banking profiles, your M&A exposure through due diligence gives you a relevant starting point. Many bankers value candidates who can demonstrate a deep understanding of deal dynamics, even if that experience comes from a different side of the table.

What matters most is how you position your experience. Focus on the analytical and client-facing aspects of your role, especially any exposure you’ve had to deal structuring, valuation, or direct interaction with senior stakeholders. Networking will be essential — having conversations with people at Morgan Stanley or other firms can help you navigate internal mobility and find the right entry point. Some candidates successfully move into industry-specific teams or product groups where their background aligns closely. The transition is viable, and with the right preparation and persistence, it's definitely within reach.