Name: Sheila Muli

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 2024

Major: Political Science

Current Class Level: Senior

This semester I completed a(n): Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Morgan Stanley

Location of the Organization (City, State): Baltimore, MD

Title of Position: Operations Analyst

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:
As an operations analyst on the cash equity team, I began by shadowing various departments within operations, including cash equity. Day-to-day, I attended networking events and collaborated with my intern team on an automation project using Alteryx and PowerBI to streamline the manual filtering of cash equity's daily fails file. I also worked independently on a data visualization project for the cash equity team, helping to identify trends for mitigation and providing higher management with historical insights. Additionally, I scheduled coffee chats with executive directors, vice presidents, and managing directors to explore different career paths within the organization.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?
I first learned about the opportunity through signs around campus and attended a UMBC Connects event with Morgan Stanley in Fall 2023. At the event, I met members of Morgan Stanley's HR team, who reviewed my resume and provided feedback. Later, I attended a UMBC-hosted bus trip to Morgan Stanley, where I reconnected with the HR team. The application process included an online HireVue interview and a Superday interview. I submitted my application in September 2023 and received the offer in November 2023 for the Summer 2024 program.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?
UMBC Career Center, Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.).

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?
I enjoyed contributing meaningfully to the firm through an automation project that saved countless hours. Morgan Stanley fosters an inclusive and authentic culture while emphasizing community involvement, making it a rewarding and supportive environment.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?
As a political science major in a finance institution, I brought a unique perspective to my intern group project, focusing on the bigger picture and amplifying team collaboration. My initiative to identify and address gaps in data visualization for the Cash Equity team created a lasting impact, improving processes and providing valuable insights for leadership.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?
Networking is essential—maintain your connections and attend UMBC events. Be authentic in your pursuits, as opportunities that align with your true self will lead to growth and success.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center:
"My summer at Morgan Stanley was a unique experience that allowed me to contribute to impactful projects and connect with professionals at all levels. I'm grateful for UMBC's resources and events like UMBC Connects, which helped me discover and secure this opportunity."