Goldman Sachs Securities Spring Internship Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Spring Intern in the Securities Division at Goldman Sachs. Unlike any other Spring Internship I have heard of or experienced, the GS programme gave interns the responsibility and opportunity to tailor the programme to their own interests and needs. Informal and self-arranged networking and shadowing on the trading floor was actively encouraged. There were also social events for Spring Interns from all of the business divisions. On the first day there was a Mexican fiesta with several Mexican-themed food and drinks stalls. On the last evening there was a Carnival event with Candy floss, Ice cream, Pick'n'Mix and Carnival games. This was a really enjoyable way to meet other interns and to relax during the programme.

Throughout the programme, we were constantly told by recruiters and staff from across the trading floor, how much they valued the Spring Interns as the future potential employees and leaders of the firm. Furthermore, the amount of time that traders and salespeople were willing to take out of their day to allow you to shadow them or explain a financial concept to you made you feel incredibly valued.

Before the programme each intern was assigned an analyst as a Buddy, who acted as their main point of guidance and support. I would go to my Buddy's desk at least once day and she would give me tips on how to excel during the programme, put me in touch with analysts from areas I was particularly interested in and generally give me support if I felt anxious (for example before my interview on the final day). Furthermore my assigned recruiter was available for guidance and feedback.

During the programme my technical finance knowledge greatly increased (for example I learnt about call and put options, NDFs etc), which will definitely stand me in good stead for a future sales and trading internship. Presenting the stock pitch was also a great opportunity to improve upon my public speaking skills and ability to answer tough questions defending my views. The most important skill I learnt during the programme was how to network effectively, which will help me throughout my career.

The first week of the programme was incredibly well structured. The schedule was filled with business area insight presentations (giving you a basic understanding of FX, Credit, Commodities etc), talks with senior representatives from Goldman (MDs and Partners), arranged shadowing sessions and market wraps (sessions in which we were asked questions on recent news and developments in the markets). The second week was slightly less structured, but this was intentional. The free-time in the schedule allowed us to arrange our own shadowing sessions in the business areas we were most interested in, to network with people from across the trading floor and to prepare our stock pitch (which we presented at the end of the programme).

Everyone on the programme was extremely determined to gain a place on the Summer 2016 Internship, however, from the outset of the programme the recruiters made clear that everyone was assessed on an individual basis and if everyone performed well, we would all be offered a place on the internship. The fact that there wasn't a limit on how many of us they could fast-track to Summer, diluted the competitive atmosphere and promoted a culture of team-work and support.

The firm invested a lot of time to our training and development. MDs and Partners delivered presentations on both their business sub-divisions and their personal experiences. Analysts on the trading floor were more than willing for you to shadow them or to sit with you and explain a financial concept. The fact that the internship is paid shows that the firm is willing to invest in your development in both a financial and temporal manner.

The programme was filled with several shadowing opportunities which gave us a great insight into what different roles on the trading floor entail. Furthermore, interns were encouraged to attend the daily morning meetings (generally at around 7am), which allowed us to mimic the daily routine of full-time employees. Moreover, talking to a huge number of full-time employees allowed us to gain a deep insight into what life is like as a Securities employee at GS.

Throughout the programme, the GS's core focus on teamwork and excellence really shone through. Speakers highlighted the firm's Business Principles which employees at the firm must embody. Being immersed in the environment of the trading floor and speaking to employees on an individual basis also allowed us to gain an understanding of the culture of individual desks on the trading floor as well as of the firm as a whole.

The internship, in terms of its hours and shadowing-content, gave us a deep insight into how a full-time role at the firm would be. I believe that the extent to which you enjoyed the internship is a strong indicator as to whether you would enjoy a full-time role in Securities at Goldman. In this respect the internship is very helpful for deciding whether a career on the trading floor is for you.

Goldman Sachs paid me for participating in the programme, reimbursed by travel to and from London and provided my accommodation (as I live outside of the M25).

On the first day there was a pizza networking lunch, when you could meet your Buddy and also network with other analysts from across the trading floor. There was also an Equities Drinks Reception one evening, which gave us the opportunity to network with staff of all levels from the Equities sub-division. For female interns, there was also a Women's Affinity Network Afternoon Tea, which allowed us to ask women from the securities division about their experiences at Goldman Sachs. Informal Networking was encouraged throughout the programme.

There were two networking opportunities to meet interns from across Goldman Sachs (outside of the Securities division). On the first day there was a Mexican fiesta with several Mexican-themed food and drinks stalls. On the last evening there was a Carnival event with Candy floss, Ice cream, Pick'n'Mix and Carnival games. This was a really enjoyable way to meet other interns and to relax during the programme,

We had a presentation which detailed the community activities that GS employees get involved in. To get a further insight into what employees do outside of work, you could ask your buddy.

Absolutely. The internship is exhausting and involves a lot of hard work, but it is also very enjoyable and rewarding. It is also an excellent opportunity to get fast-tracked for the Summer Internship if you perform well.