Summer Analyst Review

Working at Goldman was a constant challenge and adventure. I felt involved and given the adequate tools and support to perform the role expected of me. The work was completely different to university, and required me to view material in an altered way. There were tough moments when working towards deadlines or having to present, but without such experiences I wouldn't have been able learn so quickly! In essence there was a great group of fellow interns and the support Goldman gave was fantastic, but as with any high-pressure environment there will be low points!

The main thing that stood out at Goldman was the effort they went to integrate you into the team. You'll go for individual coffee chats with people across the flaw and they'll really take the time to get to know you. If you're stuck on a particular assignment they'll push you in the right direction and ensure you are never left alone - they were once in your position!

Management are by their nature very busy - but I was suprised how often MDs or VPs would casually mention something about what I'd been working on. Likewise I got the opportunity to often speak to my managers and gain feedback. I'd say more guidance is given my managers, support comes more in the form of HR and your fellow analysts. Nonetheless my supervisors were incredibly friendly and I knew I could come to them if I had a problem.

Goldman kept me very busy, meaning there was never a moment where I thought 'I'm not contributing anything'. I went to meetings, listened in on client calls, researched the industry creating reports, created models, made presentations, presented myself, networked, and coordinated events.

Goldman is a careful place - the brand is the one thing that is incredibly easy damage and hard to repair. I contirbuted in certain instance directly to the profitability of the business. If something was deadly critical I was always given more time / an associate was checking that I was proceeding as planned.

I study PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) - the knowledge I learnt won't be applicable for finals, but the skills will. I learnt the ability to meticulously time manage and juggle multiple competing demands. Being introduced to the world of business will stand me in good stead for the future - knowing how to act towards various people and how to communicate.

The general atmosphere was great - it was full of incredibly intelligent and driven people working together for a common goal. People worked as teams on necessary projects and communicated between each other. As an intern I was never looked down upon - I was treated as an equal, albeit with slightly less experience! When timing became critical we would band together as co-workers and ensure the work was done. Banks often have an unfair reputation for an aggressive culture - this was the opposite. It was cerebral but highly focused.

HR at Goldman is incredibly efficient and caring. All the meetings and trainings were broadcast well in advance so the interns could plan, all the other administration material went off without a hitch. I always felt like HR was in control and knew about how exactly all the interns were getting on, with them willing to step in to help when necessary.

The firm invested a huge amount in me. The first week was purely training - with 3 full days from a professional tutor on excel. I was given access to the entire of the GS university before I started, which allowed me to become knowledgeable on certain novel subjects. We had weekly video conferences with senior management - with them taking time to answer questions from interns. Every week we had new training and information about a different aspect of the firm, allowing us to fulfill our potential in the long run.

I was lucky enough to receive an offer, which I took without hesitation. The work environment was great, and Goldman truly have the strongest brand in the entire financial services industry.

We went for a couple of drinks events, the social scene amongst fellow interns was particularly good.

Relatively high - it is the city after all!

London nightlife was good - we'd go for drinks after work sometimes to relax. On the weekends people would go out to KOKO, Fabic etc.

We had a charity day in which we aided a local water management organisation. There were sports clubs, though as an intern we were there for too short a time to become really integrated with them