Spring Intern Review

I hugely enjoyed gaining insight into the firm, my division of interest and the role. I was able to gain clear insight through: the various virtual sessions, research tasks assigned, virtual buddy, informative emails and virtual coffee catch-ups. Overall, I was able to make the most out of the opportunity, finding the programme most insightful as well as enjoyable. I now know what intrigues me and areas I would like to extend my knowledge on.

I felt immensely valued at the firm, as it was evident how much Goldman Sachs cares about their young talent and potential. Despite uncertain times and unprecedented challenges during COVID-19, the firm maintained the duration of their spring programme to two-weeks and included various activities to ensure that we find the programme engaging. A lot of thought and hard work has been put into this programme.

I received great guidance and support. Firstly, we had all been assigned recruiter open hours so that we may ask any questions we had in mind and recruiters were always there to help. Additionally, we were all assigned virtual buddies who allowed us to leverage their connections and introduce us to the rest of the team, have informative sessions, help us with the research tasks at hand and many more. My buddy was exceptional, going above and beyond - she was always there to answer any questions over phone or email, despite her busy schedule and workload.

I developed skills in communication, teamwork, time-management and organisation - all of which will assist me in my degree studies and beyond. This will help with my ability to work under pressure when balancing numerous tasks alongside my degree, including society positions, voluntary, other extra-curricular activities, applications, hobbies and family. Furthermore analytical skills were developed when working on research tasks and presenting our findings. Enhancing all of these skills are crucial to my professional development and career progression.

The insight was very well structured and organised. We were provided regular informational emails, which informed us on the agenda and key details we needed to know prior our participation. You feel highly valued as an intern and cared for, with the team always trying their best to deliver an amazing experience despite the virtual format.

The general atmosphere of the programme was very welcoming and inspirational. Everyone was always very happy to help with whatever tasks or questions you had at hand, resulting you to feel very welcomed and valued at the firm. Everyone was also hard working, ambitious and keen individuals with drive, leading you to always feel inspired. Despite the virtual format of the programme, the firm still delivered an amazing experience and atmosphere.

The firm trained me through their three-month 'Make Things Possible' Academy prior the spring internship. This is a social-mobility initiative, where the firm helps with our professional development through workshops surrounding presentation skills and negotiation, to networking opportunities, to IBD case study sessions. Alongside having this excellent training prior my internship, I also had a buddy assigned to me to help guide me throughout the programme and additionally help with my professional development.

Throughout the two-weeks, I was able to attend various virtual sessions, have a very helpful buddy assigned on-hand to ask any questions, and have virtual coffee catch-ups. Meeting many representatives of the firm helps significantly with regards to exploring the firm's culture and how it would be like to work there. Working on research tasks also helped with understanding the nature of the work.

The insight hugely helped with understanding the company culture. The reason as to why was due to the great exposure that was gained whilst on the programme, achieved through speaking with numerous employees in the firm. I was able to have multiple coffee chats with professionals from a wide range of areas.

The content was highly helpful and valuable in my decision to my future career path. Working on research tasks in a given area allowed me to discover what interests me and what aspects I found most enjoyable. Additionally, speaking to various professionals in panel discussions and coffee catch-ups, allow you to further discover the areas.

Despite the virtual format of the spring internship programme, the firm held their financial commitment to interns and paid us the full amount for our participation during the two-weeks. The firm cares about their interns immensely and values their young talent, evident in their financial commitment amid uncertainty and unprecedented challenges imposed by COVID-19. Also travel expenses during the 'Make Things Possible' Academy were reimbursed.

There were many opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the firm. I had my buddy that was assigned to me and through my buddy, she introduced me to two of her colleagues in different areas of the firm to allow me to gain exposure and learn what intrigues me most. Additionally, there were virtual sessions where we were able to meet various professionals, for example in the junior panel discussion.

The networking opportunities were great. I was able to Zoom call or phone call various professionals to gain a deeper insight into their role and the culture within the firm. Furthermore, I was able to network with the rest of my spring intern cohort, alongside professionals through catch-up sessions and photo submissions.

We were able to learn about affinity networks and initiatives such as GS Accelerate, The Analyst Impact Fund, Community Team Works, and many more. I learnt about these through informative emails that Goldman Sachs sent throughout the programme. It was interesting to speak to various employees and hear about the activities that they have got involved with outside of work.

I would most definitely recommend this insight to a friend without a doubt. Not only do you learn about your division of interest and areas that intrigue you, but you also develop key transferable skills, meet other like-minded interns in your spring cohort, alongside meeting passionate and driven employees at Goldman Sachs.