Jimmy Weng

Co-op: I spent six months in Hong Kong working at Morgan Stanley. I worked on their Prime Brokerage Sales and Capital Introductions Team. On the sales side, I was part of the team meeting with fund managers to explain the advantages of Morgan Stanley. I also met with investors looking to allocate capital, and I would connect them to the right fund.

The co-op effect: This co-op started a new path for me. I hadn’t found what was meant for me before this. Now I know brokerage work with hedge funds is right for me.

Expectation vs. reality: I had expected a fast pace, and those expectations were more than met. I hadn’t expected the 12-hour days, or that long hours and fun could go together. Hong Kong is an exciting place.

Horizons broadened: International business fascinates me. Hong Kong offers a multi-cultural experience. The market there is maturing. Going there, I learned what it’s like as a living, breathing place.

Lessons learned: My Morgan Stanley co-op built my self-confidence and gave me a greater awareness of world issues. It gave me more of a global perspective, how business affects not just the United States, but also the world.

Co-op to career: I’ve been accepted to Harvard’s MBA program. I’m putting that off for two years and returning to work full-time at Morgan Stanley in Hong Kong. After grad school? I’ll definitely work internationally, perhaps back in Hong Kong or on mainland China.