Gen Z Lands Morgan Stanley Job | 6-Figure Salary
Gen Z is making a splash! Discover how University of Chicago grad Sara Thomas broke into investment banking, landing a coveted analyst role at Morgan Stanley with a 6-figure salary. Thomas’s success story unveils the critical strategies for aspiring finance professionals. Learn from her experiance: Early preparation is non-negotiable, active networking – especially with alumni – is key, and internships are vital. Securing a role in investment banking requires more than just a degree; it demands proactive engagement and interview readiness. News Directory 3 offers insights into navigating the competitive finance landscape. Find out how Thomas’s journey inspires other college students hoping to build finance careers. Discover what’s next for her and the future of the industry!
Cracking wall Street: One Grad’s Investment Banking Path
Updated June 08, 2025
For aspiring Wall Street professionals, teh journey frequently enough begins well before graduation. Sara Thomas, a 2025 University of Chicago graduate and future Morgan Stanley investment banking analyst, knows this firsthand. Thomas navigated the demanding recruitment landscape, ultimately landing her dream job.
Thomas emphasized the importance of early preparation. Securing a role in investment banking requires proactive networking and interview readiness. Entry-level investment bankers can expect to earn around $110,000 annually, excluding bonuses.
Networking proved essential for Thomas. She connected with numerous UChicago alumni at major banks to build rapport and increase her visibility. “Before submitting my internship applications, I spoke to about five peopel at each major bank,” Thomas said. She found that direct outreach via LinkedIn was less effective than leveraging university connections.
The interview process itself was rigorous, involving multiple rounds of technical and personality-focused assessments, culminating in a “super day.” Thomas secured an internship at Morgan Stanley during her sophomore year, which led to a full-time offer. Prior to that, she interned at Bain Capital and Ariel Investments.
While academia was a fleeting consideration, Thomas found her calling in the fast-paced world of finance. She actively participated in campus clubs focused on venture capital and finance, further solidifying her industry knowledge.
What’s next
Thomas is preparing to begin her career at Morgan Stanley,where she will apply the skills and knowledge gained through her rigorous preparation and diverse experiences.Her story serves as an inspiration for other students hoping to break into the competitive field of investment banking and build accomplished finance careers.