What to do? Vacation Employment

[pacmania_2001]

I'm currently looking at doing some vacation employment at the end of the year to help get some experience and maybe gain some contacts.

Right now I'm looking at two options to apply for. One with Morgan Stanley, the multi-national finance group or the other is with the Brisbane City Council.

Whilst Morgan Stanley would in my opinion look much better on the resume it would mean having to go to Hong Kong for 10-12 weeks by myself which is a bit scary seeing I've never lived by myself before. The plus side of that is that I would get to see a foriegn country.

The Brisbane City Council one is right where I live so I'd still live close to friends etc but as I said above, probably wouldn't look as flash on the resume. I'm also not sure whether I'd learn as much as I would with the other one. The plus side is that it would cost less because I wouldn't have to spend 3 months from my part time job or pay for things like living.

Both ones pay you during your employment but I haven't seen the exact amount for either.

So I'm in a bit of a quandry at the moment as to what to do. Which one would you choose?

[duffyr83]

i would go with Morgan Stanley, but only because of the experience you'll get, living in a different country can be valuable to future employers, it shows that you can adapt to change, but besides that the personal experience of you being someplace new would be great. i havent left home before due to lack of funds but i say if you can manage something i would go for it then, the experience would be worth it.

[Capmaster]

If it's just a vacation job the resume effect is not likely to be as great as if you have worked somewhere for years. Morgan Stanley is a world leader and all, but 3 months on the job? Most higher level jobs take 3 years just to learn and the employers who matter already know that.

The willingness to reloacte or travel would be useful ..if you eventually want a position that has lots and lots of travel or relocation. To a company that needs someone to work at the present location, it won't have much resume flash.

The upside of the Hong Kong thing would be the adventure and all. But that's also the downside. You'll be in a completely foreign city for 3 months, only knowing work associates, but no personal friends.

The benefits of the Brisbane City Council job sound more attractive to me ...assuming the pay is similar. You'll meet people in local government ..make contacts there, and be on home soil. Maybe I feel this way because I've had so much professional travel over the years I'm sick of it. And staying in my own country would be a big plus to me.

My vote: Brisbane City Council

[Hardcoreruss]

I have worked in banking all my life.

Even if MS is paying you a dollar a day and the council plays you a million go with MS. The experience will be invaluable. Banking experience is not like normal jobs where you need years of xp. A few months in a section is all you need.

Don't let me down Pac, go with MS I know what I am talking about.

What would you be doing there ?

[pacmania_2001]

Want to know more about the position?

The program is 10 -12 weeks in length and is designed to provide a realistic view of investment banking by having Summer Analysts assume the functions of full-time Analysts. They spend their summer assigned to a specific group, working on a variety of transactions. Within their assigned group, Summer Analysts will begin to obtain a strong foundation in the basic skills of financial analysis, and deal execution. They are also expected to start learning to market the Firm's products and services effectively.

The Program will run from December 2004 - February 2005.

We are looking for high caliber Undergraduate Level candidates who possess:
Excellent academic qualifications
Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
Strong interest in finance/investment banking
Commitment and strong work ethic
The ability to multi-task and prioritize

That's what they've advertised on the university job site. I think I'll apply for both it and the council one and if I get offered the Morgan Stanley one I'll take it over the council.

I'm not sure if I even stand a chance with getting it. I have good marks but I'm guessing they have advertised it on most of the universities around Australia and possibly in other countries.

[Conquest10]

I would take that Hong Kong job in a heartbeat. I see no negatives in it.

[Hardcoreruss]

It sounds good, I used to work as an analyst before I fell into this roll.

Go for it pal.

[pacmania_2001]

So what does an analyst actually do in terms of investment banking?

I would take that Hong Kong job in a heartbeat. I see no negatives in it.

The only thing I am worried about is how the hell I'm going to afford it and finding a place to stay for 3 months that is cheap yet.

Thats if I get it.

[enstg8er]

morgan stanley...

they had, on the radio here, an advertisement for an airshow in brisbane last weekend. sadly i couldn't afford to attend . perhaps someday...

[Hardcoreruss]

Even if you have to sell your soul take the Morgan Stanley job it is an excellent opportunity, with one of best investment banks.

The fact that it is a foreign country further adds to the role as it will show future long term employers that you are committed, enough so to uproot and move, all be it for only three months but that shows determination.

[Dr. DOS]

Morgan Stanley... (this should have been a poll )

gonna be expensive (will they pick up the tab for all expenses)
gonna need a passport (do it now or you may not have it in time... several weeks to get one)

Have fun