What to expect at Morgan Stanley coffee chat?!?

Hey there!

Coffee chats at Morgan Stanley (or any bank, really) are meant to be informal, but they’re still a great opportunity to leave a strong impression. Think of it as a casual interview—they won’t grill you on technicals, but they are assessing your interest, professionalism, and fit for the firm.

Expect the conversation to be candidate-driven, meaning you’ll need to bring good questions. Typical topics include:

• Your background – They might ask, "Tell me about yourself" or "What interests you about Morgan Stanley?"
• Your interest in the role/industry – Be ready to discuss why you’re drawn to investment banking (or the division you're targeting) and what you’ve done to prepare.
• Their experience – They’ll likely share their career path, so ask thoughtful questions like “What’s kept you at Morgan Stanley?”
• Advice for you – A great question to close with is, “What do you think makes a candidate stand out in the recruitment process?”

Hope this helps, and good luck! Let me know if you want help refining your questions.

A coffee chat is an informal networking opportunity, but it’s still a chance to make a strong impression. 

Expect a mix of introductions, insights about the firm and industry, and a chance to ask thoughtful questions. 

It’s not an interview, but they may assess your communication skills and interest in the firm. 

Prepare specific questions, be professional yet personable, and follow up with a thank-you email. If it goes well, it could lead to future opportunities!

I had a coffee chat with someone from Morgan Stanley last year, and it was mostly informal, so more about getting to know me and my motivations than testing technicals. They asked why I’m interested in investment banking and why MS specifically. 

Hey, a coffee chat with Morgan Stanley is a great opportunity to build a connection and showcase your fit for their competitive environment, especially in hubs like NYC or London. Expect an informal, conversational setting where the banker (likely an analyst or associate) will assess your enthusiasm, cultural fit, and understanding of the firm’s work, like their strong M&A or wealth management practices. They may ask about your background, interest in finance, or why Morgan Stanley, and could probe your knowledge of recent deals (e.g., their role in a 2024 tech M&A). Be ready for casual but purposeful questions like “Tell me about yourself,” “Why investment banking?” or “What do you know about our recent work?” The goal is to gauge your personality and genuine interest, so relax but stay professional.

To make the most of it, prepare thoughtful questions that show research, like asking about their experience on a specific deal or the office’s culture (e.g., NYC’s fast-paced vibe). Avoid generic questions; instead, try “How does Morgan Stanley’s collaborative approach impact your day-to-day work?” or “What skills have been key to your success here?” Bring a polished elevator pitch about your background and tie it to Morgan Stanley’s strengths. Follow up with a concise thank-you email within 24 hours, referencing a specific topic discussed to reinforce your interest. This can set you apart for roles with low acceptance rates (~0.43% for internships), so practice active listening and let your passion shine! Let me know if you want help crafting questions or your pitch.