New York City is home to many amazing things: the tallest buildings, the busiest streets. Now, it will be home to FSU's own Ashley Ditmarsen.

A senior in finance at Florida State University's College of Business, Ditmarsen is about to take the next step in her life into the heart of the financial world, at one of the biggest financial institutions: Morgan Stanley. Ashley has accepted a position in the company's Financial Control Group, managing the firm's risk and implementing financial controls over the business activities.

"It's amazing to directly relate something you learned in a class to a relevant aspect of a large firm like Morgan Stanley," Ditmarsen said. "It shows you that FSU is giving us the skills necessary to be competitive in today's changing economy."

After completing an internship with Morgan Stanley over the summer of 2008, Ditmarsen knew she was ready for the real world. "My position as a summer analyst at Morgan Stanley built upon my finance coursework at Florida State. The experience provided me with the financial background and skills necessary to be successful in the demanding financial services industry."

Born in the Midwest and raised in Tampa, Florida, Ditmarsen set her sights on Florida State during high school. "I was drawn to FSU when I heard of the strength of its business programs." As a member of the Florida State Honors Program, Ditmarsen was able to register for business courses as early as her freshman year. "I knew immediately that finance was the course of study for me; it directly relates to everything in the real world." Ditmarsen's minor in economics rounds out her resume.

Ditmarsen gives kudos to her finance professors and the FSU Career Center for making her transition into the working world an easy one. "Many people don't realize what is out there; take advantage of these resources while you're in school."

Throughout her time at Florida State, Ditmarsen has successfully combined her academic interests with her extra-curricular and social activities. As treasurer of her sorority, Phi Mu, Ditmarsen's financial skills increased the chapter's collections to 100 percent and garnered the National "Most Improved Financial Program" Honorable Mention Award for Phi Mu. The Children's Miracle Network has also benefitted through Ditmarsen's participation in FSU's Dance Marathon and other philanthropic events. Ditmarsen has also served as a member of the Financial Management Association.

Currently, Ditmarsen is working as a bond administration intern at the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. "This opportunity has been excellent in terms of building upon my knowledge of the fixed income markets."

Looking back over her last four years at FSU, Ditmarsen attributes her success to her hard work and the strength of the FSU faculty in the Department of Finance. "The faculty members have been incredibly knowledgeable and supportive throughout my interviewing, internship and acceptance process. I know that I will stay in touch with many people from FSU over the years."