The Best Investment Banks To Work For

“Goldman Sachs has approached the world in a way that is very particular and inspiring,” observes one staffer involved in private wealth management. “Every single day I hear something new, smart and innovative from a colleague and that is deeply satisfying.” And one risk management executive issued this challenge to prospective job candidates. “For over 15 years, I have seen first hand the value of the experience of working at this firm. If you don’t want to be in banking, fine. If you want to be in banking, and you are smart and willing to work hard (and well with others), you want to work here.”

MORGAN STANLEY STILL BELOVED ON WALL STREET

Morgan Stanley rounds out the top three. Like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley earned its highest marks in green initiatives and philanthropy, meaning it makes up the difference with its second place ranking in prestige. Bankers surveyed by Vault portray Morgan Stanley as an “elite firm” with “a long track record” and “broad client list” that’s “a step behind Goldman.” Still, the firm is considered “one of the best run banks on the Street and has a lot more stability than most,” according to one survey participant,” Even more, another adds, the firm isn’t resting on its laurels.”Most divisions are leaders in their fields and still growing revenue.”

Internally, it’s easy to find advocates for the firm. “Morgan Stanley has it all,” pens one operations staffer. “The culture, quality of life, business outlook, career opportunities, and career development/support is top notch. The firm makes sure that employee’s have a high quality of life as well as complex and challenging work that develops them. This is the best firm on Wall Street.”

Indeed, you’ll find Morgan Stanley employees – entry level and executive alike – admiring the firm’s “great leadership”; “incredibly supportive,” “intelligent,” and “collegial” [peers]”; and “a code of ethics that is best in the business.” What’s more, senior executives don’t segregate themselves from their underlings. “They say we’re big and we’re small,” confesses one operations staffer. “Really senior people get to know junior employees. “It is hard to put a price on ‘culture’ and ‘colleagues, adds a technology executive, “but it will mean the difference between enjoying your work or not. The culture and people at Morgan Stanley are outstanding.”