Finance Analyst Review

I really enjoyed my work placement as Goldman Sachs, this was mainly because I was given real responsibility that I took ownership for and presented my work to managing directors and other managers, rather than just given daily tasks that was mundane. As a result, I learnt so much about the industry and the firm itself. I also developed my soft skills and is now much more confident than I previously was.

My my colleagues made me feel part of the team rather than just a work placement. They offered guidance and support throughout my placement, teaching me and giving me materials if I was unsure about anything. I also shadowed other teams to learn about their roles, allowing me to expand my network and to get to know more of my colleagues. It was definitely team driven environment, anyone would be more than happy to answer questions or to even have a general catch-up.

I was given a lot of support from my manager, we had weekly meetings to discuss my progress and so that I could raise any concerns or questions. It was also a great opportunity to discuss how I could further expand my understanding of my role, my manager would suggest how I could do so. My manager didn't micro-manage me, this way I could get on with my own tasks, but he was always ready to answer questions or support me if I was unsure about anything.

This depended on day-to-day or on the time of month. If I didn't have much to do, I would ask a colleague if I could shadow them or request more tasks from my manager. As my placement went on, I tended to be busier, but this was because I was given more responsibility and was trusted to be given more demanding work as I had gotten used to the role.

I was given a lot of responsibility, this increased as the year progressed as well. I became entirely responsible for certain projects and assignments, which I would have to provide feedback and update my manager and managing director. I enjoyed this because it meant I was seen as a full-time employee, given real work not just small tasks.

I did my work placement in Finance, studying Finance at university, helped me understand key concepts at work. Moreover, it furthered my understanding of Finance and what I could potentially learn at university when I return. Additionally, my placement ensured me that I want to pursue a career in Finance, after spending a year in a certain job role, you can evaluate whether you see yourself in that role post graduation. I honed my soft skills greatly on placement, such as communication, teamwork and presentation skills. This would not only assist me at university, but also continuously throughout my career.

The office was a bit relaxed. This is mainly due to everyone being very approachable and willing to help you out, it is very common to bump into colleagues and have a quick catch-up which helped me to get to know everyone on the floor. Additionally, it is very common at Goldman Sachs for colleagues to schedule catch-up sessions with each other and go grab coffee together. This made the environment feel more social. This being said, there is a balance between work and social levels at work.

It was very well organised, HR did an amazing job with all the events, socials and speeches they had planned. For example, once a week a new team or department speech was organised for work placements/ interns so that we could learn about a new area. A presentation was also organised for interns/ work placements in which you had to complete research and present to a large audience. The includes the two day training programme set up before the work placement started. I also got the opportunity to go into the office before the placement started to meet other interns before the programme actually started.

Goldman Sachs invested a lot in training. They have created Goldman Sachs University which offers training programmes, classes and online courses so that you could further your understanding in a particular topic, this was something I made good use of when I first joined as I was not sure some of the products and terms. Before joining the firm for my work placement, we were also sent a couple of online lectures to watch and complete the training materials that way we have an understanding of the industry and other key tools, such as how to use excel effectively. This helped me greatly because I have honed my understanding before even beginning my placement.

Very appealing, it is a firm I would like to return to after I have completed my degree. I can see myself building a career at Goldman Sachs and being able to progress a lot internally. This is something that they encourage a lot, I have spoken to a few colleagues who have changed roles internally or even moved to an office in a different location. This appeals to me as I would be able to easily move into another role if I feel like I wanted a change without having to apply to another company. I feel like Goldman Sachs like to retain their staff.

HR had organised a few events which was a great opportunity to meet other interns and work placements. Quite a lot of us exchanged numbers and emailed each others work emails so that we could stay in contact to organise drinks or events after work. My department also had quarterly work drinks which was a good way to meet and network with other colleagues that I work with. My team were quite out-going and we would organise work drinks occasionally.

The office is based in London, the prices in London tend to be more expensive. However, the cost for drinks isn't so bad. If it is an event organised by your department or HR, then food and drink tends to be complimentary. It was only when I would meet other interns and work placements or drinks with colleagues would you really have to spend. The cost of living is expensive, the rent in London is high. Quite a few work placements would rent outside of central London where it is cheaper and travel in.

The office being located in Central London meant that there were a lot of bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs nearby. It was really easy to travel by train or catch a cab if we were travelling to somewhere that isn't directly next to the office. Although events that were planned were usually within a walking distance to the office.

Being based in London, there is a lot of to do outside of work. I occasionally met up with other work placements and interns on the weekends as we became quite good friends. Additionally, Goldman Sachs would offer potentially activities outside of work that you could get involved in, for example the gym would organise runs that all colleagues could get involved in. There were also sport related affinity networks that would meet up to play together.