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Sample cover letter for Internship position at Morgan Stanley
Spring Insight Programme
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a first year student reading Bsc Economics at the University of Bristol and would like to apply for the 2016 Institutional Securities Spring Insight Programme in order to gain experience in and better my understanding of the Investment Banking industry.
I recently came across a video entitled ‘What will you Create?’ along with the slogan, ‘If you’re a Yes man, our answer is no.’ This immediately appealed to me as I consider myself someone who is always looking to improve the way we do things, and I am willing to question ideas in search of a superior alternative. Morgan Stanley clearly promotes dynamism and ingenuity which, for someone wishing to break into the banking sector, is exciting and exactly the culture in which a young, creative mind can thrive. Projects such as issuing the inaugural green bond of $500 million in June, show that whilst Morgan Stanley is obviously motivated by profits, it is also highly motivated by the desire to make society a better place by reaching socially desirable solutions. The social outlook as well as the culture of creativity are intrinsic to Morgan Stanley and make it a highly desirable place to work.
I believe that my skills are ideally suited to work in an institution like Morgan Stanley. Firstly, I believe that I acquire and understand new skills incredibly quickly, often relying on intuition and sharpness of mind rather than hours of reading and revision. These skills are evident in my academic performance in subjects that require problem solving and discussion, rather than factual recall, such as economics and history, recording 100 and 94% in my A2 economics modules and 37 out of 40 in my history coursework essay. These analytical and evaluative skills are invaluable when working in divisions such as Wealth Management and Investment Banking, where analysing and evaluating the pros and cons of potential investments to find suitable solutions is paramount to the job. Furthermore, in Sales and Trading the ability to learn quickly and intuitively interpret market signals is certainly an essential skill.
I have also had experience in positions of leadership, captaining the prestigious 1st XI cricket team at Malvern College as well as being deputy head of house. Being captain of cricket involved speaking at events and liaising with notable alumni, as well as having to manage a diverse group of people each at different stages of their educational careers. This helped develop public speaking skills as well as the ability to communicate, make decisions under pressure and organise team events. My time as deputy head of house also enhanced these skills and I would often speak to younger boys who had found themselves in trouble or needed guidance. These skills are certainly applicable to Morgan Stanley as the culture of dynamism and creativity requires leaders to drive people forward, especially on complex tasks with success depending on the cumulative efforts of multiple people.
Work experience at SPP Media (part of Saatchi & Saatchi) has also helped me to develop key skills such as working to deadlines and most importantly communication within a business environment. Whilst the media industry isn't necessarily as fast-paced and intense as the banking/finance industry, I believe the relaxed professional environment allowed me to develop effective communication skills, both verbally and via email. Communicating with clients such as Barclays, Halfords and Weetabix about potential sponsorship opportunities etc. made clear the importance of instant, concise provision of information in a business environment. Again, these skills are vital in Morgan Stanley, where relaying precise information to clients on a fast-moving deal is essential, especially in areas such as Sales and Trading where the market is constantly fluctuating.
I hope that these skills can be of value to Morgan Stanley in the Spring Insight Programme, and I relish the opportunity to learn more about both your firm and the dynamics of the investment banking industry.
I very much look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,