Spring Intern Review

It was an enjoyable and challenging experience. We had the opportunity to network, both with our fellow interns and employees, and attend a series of talks, which allowed us to learn more about the various roles offered. We further received vendor training which enhanced our skill-set so that we were able to tackle more interesting case studies.

Interns are made to feel very highly valued. The best example of this is the feedback we were given during the internship, which just a few days in was already individualised. In addition, employees are made extremely accessible to us, no matter their seniority. Furthermore, interns are thoroughly invested in through the vendor training.

Guidance is available, but a strong requirement is that you are proactive in seeking help. For example, if you are stuck on a case study, and speaking to an analyst could help, it is your responsibility to approach the analyst during the available time. Even just asking questions during a networking event can build your understanding of what you are currently working on - but you must initiate this. We are well supported, with HCM very accessible for any queries or help we may need.

My ability to work in a team was enhanced during the internship. I now feel more confident to navigate group work settings. I have also gained confidence in terms of networking, as my experience of socialising with employees at the firm was very rewarding. Aside from these "soft" skills, I have also improved my technical expertise e.g. basic accounting & valuation

It was well structured in the sense that we were able to achieve a large deal in the space of two weeks. The internship length itself, if this can be considered an element of structure, was certainly helpful in terms of getting things out of the experience. In terms of the assigned work, this perhaps could have been better spaced, however, if it is too perfectly organised, it does not mimic the true analyst experience!

It was a positive, dynamic, diverse workplace. Employees are incredibly friendly and accessible to you, and speakers make a great effort to help you learn more about the firm and its various roles, and are always open to questions. There was not an atmosphere of competition, but rather, a togetherness; a team atmosphere in place of an individualistic one.

We had a thorough vendor training which allowed us to get the basic accounting and valuation skills required to tackle interesting projects. There could have been a greater focus on corporate finance during this training, however. There was opportunity for development through daily debates (public speaking), interview experience and presenting experience

In two weeks, it is impossible to capture the Analyst experience. However, since we had access to a lot of resources, for example, the email services, and learning tools, at some points it did almost capture what it would be like to have a full time role, especially when it came to group work on the case studies

Employees did their best to communicate what the nature of the firm's culture is like. Talking to various employees on a one-to-one basis also provided further insight. However, I did feel as though I was just skimming the surface. A longer internship (e.g. the summer programme) would provide a more solid insight

I am still very broad in terms of my interests, but the internship showed me that investment banking is certainly one of them, and made me determined to get more experience in this area. This was mainly through interactions with current full time analysts, who were very successful in communicating their passion for what they do to the interns

We were reimbursed for our travel to and from the firm, and if need be, provided with accommodation during the duration of the two week internship. In addition, if any particular intern was struggling with expenses incurred during the two weeks, advance salary payments were presented as an option to solve this

There were a plethora of networking opportunities available to us. These included official networking events. Some events were targeted at certain genders or minorities, which helped promote diversity. Other opportunities were organised by interns ourselves, for example, reaching out to employees during our time at the firm to meet for coffee.

Some networking events were excellent. For example, we had a "speed dating" type of networking event, where senior employees rotated between tables, sharing their experiences and addressing our questions. This was an excellent way to meet seniors who were keen to engage but perhaps to busy to meet every intern individually for a coffee!

There was a presentation about Life Beyond the Workplace, however, it did not encourage me very much. One thing that is clear, is that work dominates people's lives. However, it seems that most employees enjoy their work so much that this is a rewarding experience. But maintaining outside hobbies was also stressed as an important thing to do; though there was little evidence of this during the programme.

100%. Although I have not attended any other Spring Weeks, after comparing my experience with friends, I think that the Goldman Sachs Spring Internship gives the most thorough insight into investment banking and corporate finance. The designers of the programme ensured that all bases were covered, for example, networking, but also trying out the actual day-to-day work for ourselves