Winter Break Career Trek features several alums at the NYC financial powerhouse sharing their experiences and advice
by Tony Moore; photos and video by Joe O’Neill and Tyler Caruso
Recently, a group of students embarked on a Finance Career Trek to Morgan Stanley’s 1 New York Plaza offices to gain invaluable insights into the world of finance—while networking with Dickinson alumni now thriving in the industry. The trip was just one of the many ways Dickinson supports career development by connecting current students with the college’s alumni network.
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The Student Experience
“It’s just one of the many experiences I’ve had so far, as a freshman, where I’ve been able to talk to Dickinson alums and they’ve been so willing to connect with me and willing to support me,” says Sophie Jones ’28 (undeclared).
Representing a diverse array of majors—including international business & management, economics, mathematics, computer science and international studies—the two dozen students kicked off their day with a tour of Morgan Stanley’s Fusion Center—where they were introduced to the company’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and security systems. This was followed by a staff panel, during which alums discussed their professional journeys and Morgan Stanley company culture.
“What I actually love about Dickinson the most is that we’re only a few hours away from many major cities like this one,” says Denys Sharpylo ’26 (quantitative economics, data analytics). Harrison Nguyen ’27 (computer science, mathematics) adds, “and it’s a great opportunity to connect with a lot of professionals [and] expand my knowledge in this field.”
After a networking lunch with alumni and campus staff, Morgan Stanley’s talent-acquisition team delivered a presentation on recruitment processes and timelines, equipping students with actionable advice for pursuing careers in finance. The day concluded with breakout professional shadowing sessions, through which students engaged directly with Morgan Stanley professionals in small groups, gaining hands-on exposure to various roles.
The Alumni Experience
The alumni employees facilitating the Career Trek visit saw the experience as a way to give back to what could be the next generation of Dickinsonians in finance, just as alumni did when they were at Dickinson.
“I really relied on alums to figure out what I wanted to do with my career,” says Kirsten Brodeen ’20 (international business & management), a climate transition associate at the storied NYC firm. “So now it’s really nice to be back as an alum and to pay it forward, to speak with them and try to answer any questions, because I was in the same place as them five years ago.”
Andrew Ford ’11 (mathematics and economics), executive director and head of Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Insights Lab, highlighted both the alum network and the practical and interpersonal skills he honed at Dickinson, which helped him climb the ladder at the firm.
“The alumni network has always been incredibly responsive and helpful along my career,” says Ford, who facilitated bringing Brodeen to Morgan Stanley from S&P Global. “Working at a large, integrated investment bank, a lot of the skills I learned at Dickinson—both hard and soft—have been crucial for my success.”
Patrick Davis ’20 (international business & management), assistant vice president and private markets specialist, and Steven Haynes ’15 (international business & management), vice president of equity research, were also on hand to meet with students and share their experiences and advice on forging paths in finance.
Extending Career Pathways
This immersive initiative was facilitated by Dickinson’s Center for Career Development, another prong in the office’s commitment to bridging academic experiences with professional opportunities, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate and excel in the global workforce.
“We believe that the power of field visits lies in our students learning about a company—its vision, values and practice—and day-in-the-life experiences, along with potential employment opportunities,” says Jonathan Lopes, a career pathway advisor in Dickinson’s Integrated Academic Success office. “It blends student interest and their developing skill set with real-world immersion.”
Career development initiatives like this are just one of many ways Dickinson has enhanced its career preparation for students interested in careers in business and finance. Launched this fall, the Burgess Institute for the Global Economy provides practical learning experiences, mentorships, industry experiences and networking opportunities to prepare students for successful futures in business and finance—no matter what major they’re pursuing.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published January 23, 2025
