Morgan Stanley Executive Shares Tips for Success

Pictured: Carla Harris addresses students at the March 9 event.

Finding an internship that leads to a full-time job and a successful career is a goal for many students at New York Institute of Technology. How do you achieve that, maximize your success, and thrive in the workplace?

On March 9, Carla Harris, vice chairman of wealth management and senior client advisor at Morgan Stanley, addressed these questions at an event hosted by the Office of Student Life.

Students filled the 11th floor auditorium on the New York City campus to gain valuable career insights from Harris, whose many accomplishments include degrees from Harvard University, best-selling books, and a 2013 appointment by former U.S. President Barack Obama to chair the National Women’s Business Council. In honor of Women’s History Month, she encouraged female students to understand what distinguishes them from the crowd.

“No one can be you, the way you can be you! It is your distinct competitive advantage,” said Harris. “Use the lessons learned and the playbooks offered by role models and then tailor them to your own authentic styles, strengths, and context.”

Student Ashley Dent and Carla Harris.

Students learned how to create a positive workplace identity and how to influence others to view them in this light. Harris advised students to build working relationships with upper management and key personnel and urged them to find mentors, from both inside and outside their organizations, who can be trusted to give relevant career advice.

“Role models are important so that students can understand that their goals can be achieved, that other people have successfully gone before them and that therefore, they can do it too. Role models offer optional strategies and examples of how goals can be achieved as well as examples of what can be achieved,” she said. 

Senior Ashley Dent, who is studying advertising, public relations, and technology, says the lecture hit home for her as she navigates internships and job interviews. “Showing your different facets, being your own authentic self, that is what will make you stand out to employers,” she said.

“I learn by doing and seeing others doing,” said Luna Ferraro, an electrical and computer engineering major who attended the event. “As a freshman, I’m trying to get an internship. Carla Harris showed me how to present myself in the best light.”

Dean of Students Tiffani Blake, M.S., M.Ed., echoed this point.

“Role models serve as examples to students of what they can achieve with focus, perseverance, and pursuing what they love. Learning from role models’ advice and experiences can assist students in identifying potential obstacles towards their success and developing the resilience necessary to navigate a variety of workspaces,” said Blake.