Vinit, a Technology Associate at Morgan Stanley Hong Kong, may be a technology geek but he’s got a decidedly cool hobby as well. Shortly after he joined the firm full time in August 2019, he and a few colleagues formed a garage band, which has played a few sets at open mic nights around Hong Kong. “It was my dream to perform live when I first picked up the bass in college,” Vinit says.
It was during that time that Vinit, eager to share his passion with others teamed up with a friend to organize a 10-day community service trip to the Philippines with the goal of teaching music at a school for students with special needs. The group used a circuit board and computers to wire everyday objects so they would play musical notes when tapped by the students. For the project’s finale, the students learned to play “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.
Whether he’s coming up with sophisticated technology solutions at work, riffing on a new piece of music after hours, or finding whimsical ways for kids to express themselves as a volunteer, Vinit approaches challenges with enthusiasm and an open mind. “At Morgan Stanley, I’m learning something new every day. That’s what motivates me.”
What is your role at the firm?
I work on a software application used by clients to book trades in exotic and structured products, which are complex financial instruments. My team maintains this state-of-the-art application and adds new features based on our clients’ needs.
What is your background?
I grew up in Mumbai and Bengaluru. After high school I decided to apply to several universities and secured a scholarship to study computer science in the University of Hong Kong. My parents saw it as an opportunity to get some international exposure and I was keen to experience life in a new part of the world. Looking back, it was a very good decision, in part because there’s a dynamic technology scene in this part of Asia, where I get to work closely with people across the world.
Did you ever think you would work for an investment bank?
To be very honest, when I got to college, I didn’t have a plan for four years down the line. I enjoyed technology, and over time, I learned that it’s not only tech companies that have an incredible tech stack. Morgan Stanley has technology that’s comparable to the likes of the tech giants. Plus, it’s really challenging to work at the firm, which I like.
How did you come to work for Morgan Stanley?
I did a 10-week summer internship during college with the team that I work with now. After college I participated in the Morgan Stanley Technology Analyst Program (TAP), a training program for technologists. It was an exciting four months. The program, which I attended in Mumbai, not far from where I grew up, includes people from all different backgrounds, like mechanical engineering, physics, and computer science. You learn not just about working at Morgan Stanley, but also about how to be a better technology analyst in general. In a short time, you’re exposed to the latest technologies being used around the world. The learning was exponential.
What’s the best part of your job?
I have a very good team. There are about 70 of us spread across Mumbai, London, New York, Hong Kong and Tokyo. My team helped me get acclimated and supports me in the tasks I face, and I try to do the same for others as well.
Are you using any innovative technologies or tools?
We have a diverse technology stack at Morgan Stanley. For example, I didn’t know much about the programming language Scala before starting here and now I’m proficient in it. It’s great for my career that I’m actually learning and applying new technologies. Importantly, it’s not just about technical skills here. You really get to know more about the business you’re supporting and our overall industry, which has been crucial to my development at the firm.
