Date: July 27, 2023
Location: Tokyo
Participants: 8 high school students
Program:

　　　Morgan Stanley has been a continuous supporter of Mirai no Mori for the past few years, ranging from sponsoring the Back to Nature Program to mentoring our graduates. And this time, they gave LITs an opportunity to visit their Otemachi office. First, they showed us an office where the traders work. Some desks had multiple screens with colorful graphs and employees busily talking on the phone. It was just like a scene in a movie. They then gave us a presentation on the financial industry and system in one of their large seminar rooms. They explained how banks and other financial services work and some of the key concepts, such as loans, interests, and bonds. Some words and concepts were new and unfamiliar to most of us, but we all learned a little more about money that we use every day.

　　　After the presentation, they set up a one-on-one session with employees, where each LIT talked to an employee on any topic they chose. Some were talking about personal issues, some were talking about their future plans, and some were talking about finances and getting useful advice. Talking and interacting with adults has also given them an opportunity to start building an image of themselves as an adult.

　　　To everyone at Morgan Stanley, who supported the program, thank you very much for providing a unique learning opportunity for LITs.

“I haven’t had much chance to learn about the financial industry elsewhere, so it was great!”

“I wasn’t sure what it’s like to work in the financial industry, but after listening to the talk, I realized it’s very similar to any other work, like having and working in a team.”

“It was very interesting to learn about stocks, bonds, and money in general. During the one-on-one session, they gave me advice that made me have a more positive outlook for the future.”

“I’ve heard the word like ‘interests’ in one of my classes before, but now I understand it a little bit more. I also got very practical advice on career and personal finances.”