A Look Back at the WIB NY Finance Trip
MARY RYAN
Earlier this semester, I had the opportunity to visit Morgan Stanley and Bank of America with WIB. As someone interested in investment banking, I was so excited to be selected for the trip. Visiting these firms in person is not something you can do any day so I am so grateful to WIB for creating such an amazing opportunity for members!
Leaving Providence early in the morning, we traveled to New York as a group. After arriving in the city, our first stop was Morgan Stanley. The firm was extremely welcoming and we had the opportunity to listen to a panel of Brown alumni. I’ve been learning primarily about investment banking so it was great to hear from alumni in various roles in financial services. From wealth management, to sales & trading each of the alumni shared a description of their role at the firm and time at Brown. After some time for questions, the panel transitioned into a networking lunch. I was able to speak individually with alumni in investment banking and wealth management and ask detailed, individual questions. It was great to form a personal connection with such intelligent and kind individuals at Morgan Stanley!
Our next stop on the trip was Bank of America. After arriving at the firm, we were welcomed by the Campus Recruiting team. The team gave a detailed presentation highlighting the recruitment timeline and advice for how to be successful throughout the process. It was great to hear from the firm itself and hear what they are looking for in a summer analyst. Following the presentation, we were joined at the conference table by Brown alumni across multiple divisions at Bank of America. Each alumni spoke about their role and offered candid advice about finding a role where you connect with your group and fits your interests. I realized I had been so focused on learning about investment banking that I had not considered culture to the extent that I should have. Moving forward after this presentation I’ve focused on getting a sense of the culture across groups at every firm I’ve been exploring. After the group conversation, Bank of America also opened up for individual conversations. Speaking with an analyst who was involved with WIB, I learned about her time in the club and transition from school to working full-time as an analyst. She offered amazing advice about tackling virtual interviews and how to come across in a personable way when speaking to a camera. This tangible advice has been incredibly helpful as these virtual interviews have come up throughout my process. Hearing candid advice from alumni shifted my perspective on how to approach recruitment in a more effective and positive way.
I am grateful for this eye-opening experience and the connections I formed within our WIB group and at these firms. I’ve walked away from the tip with a better understanding of roles at these investment banks and how to approach the recruitment process more effectively as a Brown student. Thank you WIB, Morgan Stanley and Bank of America for a fun and inspiring trip to New York City!