Operations Intern Review

I found it a very valuable learning experience both in terms of investment banking functions, operations as a division and general life skills such as teamwork and networking. For me networking is an important part of working at a firm like Goldman Sachs and the internship definitely facilitates this as well as teaching you how to go about doing it in a very natural way. I enjoyed being able to meet lots of people both in scheduled events but also in terms of just reaching out to people.

It is hard to feel valued when you are interning and just gaining insights into lots of things. However, I felt very integrated in the firm as everyone, from VPs to MDs, were very approachable and we were given the liberty to reach out to whomever we wanted to (within reason) and establish a variety of communication channels. I felt very welcomed and by week 2 almost felt like an employee due to the freedom and independence you are given.

You are given plenty of guidance and support during your time as everyone is assigned a buddy, as well as approachable, relaxed sessions with a variety of employees. The aforementioned freedom that we are given to approach people at the firm helps to facilitate support whenever and wherever you need it. You can arrange yourself to have support from a variety of people across different sub-divisions. You are also provided mentors if it is relevant for specific tasks.

I gained a good and useful understanding of what goes on in an investment bank, as well as what operations entails. The major skill that was developed, for me, was networking. I really understood how to build more professional relationships and understood the concept a lot more. The internship also makes you feel more at ease in a corporate environment. Teamwork was also utilised during the internship, although I feel that networking was the most significant development by far.

The first week is very well structured and full on. There are a lot of scheduled talks and presentations, mixed in with work shadowing sessions that give you candid overviews of roles at the firm. The second week was less well structured but this was intended to allow for you to arrange to see those that you wanted to speak to. In a way you could customise your experience during the latter stages. The only downside to the structuring was by far the lack of social events; a few sit down meals would have been really great in the evenings to help mingle with other interns, and even analysts.

The atmosphere was pretty good. The interns are very diverse, but friendly. The employees here embrace the interns and are always happy to meet you and talk about their work. Whilst you are being assessed all the time and always being watched, there is never an atmosphere of intimidation or competition. Everyone is just happy to be there and have the opportunity to learn more about the firm. In terms of fun and relaxed enjoyment? Not really, this was not organised all that much.

There are a few sessions of skill developments, but I do not think that these were very good at all. The investment was not made in training you, but giving you insights and information.

They like to give you glowing insights into everything, and with the frequent shadow sessions you get to understand more what it is like to work at the firm. I helped to get a balanced understanding by talking to placement year students who do not have such a strong affiliation with the firm and so received opinions with less bias.

There is a strong emphasis on the culture during the insight, from the first day you are bombarded with how the firm is. It is up to you and your ability to perceive what is false and what is real from meeting people in work shadow sessions and arranging to meet people. If you are streetwise you can get to understand the real culture underneath the propaganda. It ultimately varies a lot between teams, you learn that culture is not defined on the organisational level but on the team level. I think this applies to any organisation though.

The work shadow sessions and insights helped to provide you with a greater understanding of what roles appeal to you. In terms of a specific career path, it depends on how much things resonate with you. No one nowadays defines their career path. It is too dynamic.

Travel expenses are paid for, as well as hotel accommodation. Food expenses were not paid for. You are paid for the internship.

There was ample opportunity to meet people as everyone is so approachable. There were not many networking events for my division to attend but during all events there was always new people to meet.

There was a lack of evening social events, which was a shame. In terms of networking events there was always the opportunity to network in the firm, however for my division I felt that there was a lack of consistent networking events. Not enough network lunches in my opinion.

There were some presentations regarding initiatives that employees can get involved with, however due to the amount of people you meet there is always the opportunity to find out for yourself.

Yes I would because it is the best opportunity to learn about working at such a prestigious, stimulating and challenging firm.