**How a 22-year-old landed a Morgan Stanley investment banking job—and her advice for breaking into Wall Street**
Sara Thomas, a University of Chicago grad, secured a full-time role at Morgan Stanley after networking early and acing intense interviews. She shares how cold LinkedIn messages rarely work—real connections and preparation are key.
**From academia to Wall Street: Why this 22-year-old chose investment banking over research**
Sara Thomas initially considered economics research but pivoted to finance for its fast-paced environment. Her internships at Bain Capital and Ariel Investments helped her land a coveted Morgan Stanley role.
**”Be decisive”: A soon-to-be Morgan Stanley analyst’s top tip for landing elite finance jobs**
Sara Thomas advises students to commit early, network strategically, and craft honest résumés—recruiters notice even small details. Her journey proves preparation and authenticity pay off in high-stakes recruiting.
**How this future investment banker manages stress—from workouts to leaning on friends**
Between grueling interviews and postgrad anxiety, Sara Thomas relies on exercise, friends, and family to stay balanced. Now, she’s focused on building healthy habits before starting at Morgan Stanley.