This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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About You
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The Company
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Everything Else
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
I really enjoyed the insight program, it was detailed and took everything you would love to know into consideration. It was worthwhile. There were also detailed arrangements made to ensure the participation of students who do not leave in the United Kingdom. Overall it was a lovely experience through both weeks.
The people were easy to talk to regardless of their position or rank. Goldman operates a flat top hierarchy system where there is synergy across all roles and functions. I found it really cool that senior employees took out time to talk to us and even scheduled coffee to get to know us better.
The HCM were very deliberate and concise with information and help required. The check up was on par as they regularly endured everyone was always in the right place at the right time. They are also very patient, work closely as a team and ensure you get top notch information.
The skills gained were enough to sharpen your existing skills and also broaden your mindset on a lifetime experience with a career in investment Banking. The connections made are also a huge part of the internship program as it was a platform to meet the people you would most likely not have met.
The Company
It was really structured. Although week one went in a rush because we were all trying to take in a lot. However in the end, all the jigsaw pieces fell in place. We got to see a big picture and how each activity was a stage opener for the next and the headliner was the entire experience.
It was sometimes serious and a lot of times fun and relatable. However the atmosphere always synced with the current need or situation. If it was serious, it was because there was a need to pay attention and if it was bubbly it was time for fun. It was dependent on need.
The company invested a lot. It was obvious that were not just keen on recruiting talent, but they were also investing to build a class of leaders who may go on to other careers and make impact. In all, it was not about Goldman, it was about impact and affecting the young generation positively.
It helped us understand a lot, from routine based on day to day activities to training that will be provided to equip new employees all pressing topics were touched and explained. Even topics about working from home and work life balance were openly discussed and topics such as internal mobility or career switches within the firm were talked about.
Every session scheduled was very valuable, the facilitators were cheerful and open to answering all our eager questions without hesitation. They brought clarity to several misconceptions we may have had about the firm or Investment Banking. Every thing learnt was applicable to day to day activities at the firm and was also relevant outside.
Everything Else
I was paid and reimbursed expenses payments for flights, accommodation, visa application, transportation from airport to the accommodation provides were covered by Goldman. Salary payments were made promptly to ensure participants who has little or no cash could use their salaries for other purposes as per need. The pay was adequate. Yes
It was a busy time at the organization. However a lot of people made out time to meet with interns and those who could not apologized, explained why and offered alternative means of communication such as LinkedIn and personal emails to ask questions or discuss. Also the sponsor circles series were very helpful to meet senior employees.
They made networking easier, everyone has a name tag one giving them a short introduction. It also made asking questions easier as you have some insight into what division or team they are in so that you don’t ask trading questions to someone in the Investment Banking Division. People also anticipated meeting you
Yes there were a lot of activities to do outside work, the recreational and relaxation center is available, access to learning materials for self development, a fully equipped gym and meditation center to keep employees refreshed and motivated at all times. Other activities available are also embedded in affinity groups were people with like interests get to interact.
Yes, I strongly recommend the insight program to anyone who is looking to start a career at Goldman Sachs. It is a very apt means of understanding the firm’s culture and expectation for someone who is looking to start a career with the firm. Overall it is also a good means to break out of school routine and learn in a more hands on environment.
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Investment Banking
London
April 2019