Is it worthy to join Morgan Stanley via a vendor (payroll through vendor)?
Hi guys, now I have got a chance to join one of Morgan Stanley's front offices in Asia but through a vendor. The vendor says there are more than 100 employees in MS China are working in such form.
a) Payroll and background check are both backed by the vendor and NOT MS, and the vendor can only confirm you are indeed supporting their client MS. The most direct proof you will get from MS may probably be a recommendation letter. Oh and you get your MSID.
b) Pays are like 50% of MS's fulltime global pay, which is somewhat no different with my current pay at a less prestigious venture fund.
c) 1 year of fixed contract with chances to renew. 25% chances of converting into a real hc from track records. No one can promise. And the team I will be joining has no such records in history.
Q: I'm planning to do a MBA in the states soon, and the brand seems pretty attractive. Other than that everything's pretty uncertain. Thoughts?
Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some key considerations for your situation:
Brand Value for MBA Applications: Having Morgan Stanley on your resume, even through a vendor, could be a strong signal for MBA admissions, especially if you can articulate the experience well. However, the lack of direct employment with MS might slightly dilute the impact compared to a full-time role.
Compensation and Opportunity Cost: If the pay is only 50% of MS's full-time global pay and similar to your current role, the financial upside is limited. Additionally, the 1-year fixed contract with only a 25% conversion rate (and no historical conversions in your team) makes this a high-risk move with uncertain long-term benefits.
MBA Timing and Career Goals: If you're planning to pursue an MBA soon, the short-term nature of this role might align with your timeline. However, consider whether the experience gained in this role will significantly enhance your MBA application or post-MBA career prospects compared to staying in your current role.
Recommendation Letter and Networking: While the vendor arrangement limits direct MS backing, having an MSID and potential access to the MS network could still be valuable. However, the lack of a direct MS employment record might make it harder to leverage the brand fully.
Alternative Options: If your current role at the venture fund offers growth potential or aligns better with your long-term goals, it might be worth staying put. Alternatively, explore other opportunities that provide more stability or direct employment with a prestigious firm.
In summary, while the MS brand is attractive, the vendor arrangement's limitations and uncertain conversion prospects make this a risky move. Carefully weigh the brand value against the opportunity cost and your MBA timeline. If the role doesn't significantly enhance your profile or career trajectory, it might be better to focus on other opportunities or your current role.
Sources: Morgan Stanley NYC vs. Moelis NYC, To anyone considering an MBA, What I've learned so far after 1 yr at a top MBA program (If I could do it over):, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/private-equity/going-from-mm-investment-bank-to-mega-fund?customgpt=1, Advice needed for MBA to MBB route
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