Take a moment to explore our Interview with Ada Ahmed’s experience following her Computer Science and Engineering site visit with the DCDI placements team to Morgan Stanley, where she had the opportunity to visit our placement student.
We recently sat down with Ada, a Data Science and Analytics undergraduate, who described the visit as a truly eye-opening experience. Speaking with placement student Fran Mowat and gaining first-hand insight into her workplace helped her better understand what a placement year can offer. She shared how the experience not only deepened her understanding of the industry but also gave her the confidence and motivation to pursue a placement herself.
My name is Ada Ahmad and I am a Data Science and Analytics undergraduate with a strong interest in technology, particularly machine learning and AI. I enjoy learning about the various implementations of AI, especially how it can be used effectively in real-world applications.
- What were your first impressions of the company, Morgan Stanley, and the workplace environment during the site visit?
I sensed a very professional and modern work ethic, as the importance of support and collaboration was emphasised throughout the session, while also highlighting the high standards maintained when managing projects. - What was the most interesting or surprising thing you learned during the visit?
It was very interesting to see how AI is used to manage large datasets to support complex financial systems as well as the way they manage technical debt through strong engineering practices. - Which part of the visit (talks, live demonstrations, meeting our placement student and team etc.) did you find most valuable and why?
The most valuable part of the visit was the discussion with the team about valuation control and independent price verification. It was interesting to learn how regulatory requirements influence how financial data is validated and monitored, and how this has evolved compared to a few years ago. Hearing directly from the team about how these controls are implemented in practice gave me a clearer understanding of how technology, risk management, and regulation work together within a firm like Morgan Stanley. - What did you learn about the different roles or teams within the company?
I learned that specialised teams at Morgan Stanley collaborate with the Valuation Control team ensuring accurate financial valuations while software engineers develop the systems that support these processes. - Did hearing about our placement student career journey change how you think about your own career path? If so, how?
Yes, I even reached out to her afterwards to learn how she approached certain challenges, which gave me confidence and clarity about how to approach projects and develop skills for future placements or internships. - How did the visit help you understand the skills you need to apply in the workplace?
The visit showed me that succeeding in the workplace requires a mix of technical skills, teamwork, and adaptability, as well as a willingness to learn and develop new knowledge while on the job. - Did the visit increase your interest and motivation in pursuing a placement year?
Yes, the visit motivated me to pursue a placement year because speaking with the placement student and seeing how teams work gave me a clearer idea of the skills I could develop and the kind of projects I might contribute to, which made the experience feel both achievable and inspiring. - What new skills, technologies, or areas of work did you discover during the visit?
I learned about new areas like valuation control, financial system automation, and working with large data sets, as well as the technologies and collaboration required to build and maintain these systems efficiently. - What was your biggest takeaway from the site visit to Morgan Stanley?
A key concept I observed at the visit was how the Valuation Control team uses tools like Scala and Optimus to process millions of valuations, illustrating the value of attention to detail and analytical thinking. - What advice would you give to other students who are considering attending a site visit or thinking of applying for a placement year?
I would advise other students to ask plenty of questions, actively engage with the team, and absorb as much information as possible, as this gives a clearer understanding of the workplace, the roles, and what skills are valued.
If you’re considering a placement year, our placement team is here to support you every step of the way, from preparing strong applications to advice regarding placements via our 1:1 appointment. Get in touch with us to find out how we can help you take the next step towards your future career.
Storyteller, Connector, and Wellness Enthusiast with a growth mindset.
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