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Morgan Stanley or Merrill Lynch

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Aug 17, 2009 10:07 pm

A1ADV

Joined: 2009-08-17Offline

Hi guys,

  I currently have offers for the financial advisor position at each. I know each branch has their own unique culture but in general which house would you choose to work for?   Merrill has their uncertainites with the BOA transition and MSSB has yet to fully integrate as a cohesive unit. I am in this for the long haul and would appreciate some comments and thoughts on who you would choose and why.   Some suttle differences in pay structure exist but I am looking from a long term view stand point so that does not really concern me. I guess the question would be, from a long run stand point, which is the best firm to start a career?
Aug 18, 2009 1:03 am

Royalewitcheese

Joined: 2009-02-20Offline

Both are good and after all of the mess seem like they will be the most stable right now (even with BOAs problems). However, I think MSSB has a better rep right now than Merrill and client’s may feel more comfortable giving you their money. Merrill’s rep is tarnished, and while it may be just as good as MSSB, the name may hold you back a bit. I worked a ML for three years and last year was horrible explaining to client’s why both their accounts were down 40+% and the fact that our CEO was spending a million dollars to renovate his office while the firm was two days from going under.

Aug 18, 2009 1:31 am

akmpres

Joined: 2009-06-09Offline

Hi A1DV, i was in your shoes a few weeks ago, I chose MSSB, I am enjoying it. Good luck with your choice. 

Aug 18, 2009 2:01 am

A1ADV

Joined: 2009-08-17Offline

I think this is where I am leaning also (MSSB) but Merrill Lynch makes a good case themself. I guess it is a good problem to have.

Aug 18, 2009 3:41 am

HerdingThunder

Joined: 2009-08-06Offline

[quote=akmpres]Hi A1DV, i was in your shoes a few weeks ago, I chose MSSB, I am enjoying it. Good luck with your choice. 
[/quote]

[quote=<span id=“userPro153884” =“showDropDown’userPro153884’, ‘proMenu153884’, 160, 0;” =“msgSidePro” title=“View Drop Down”>A1ADV]I think this is where I am leaning also (MSSB)
but Merrill Lynch makes a good case themself. I guess it is a good
problem to have.[/quote]

Out of curiosity, what would you guys say are the pros and cons of each?  Also, what are the hurdles trainees must hit in the first 3 years?