Spring Intern Review

Mainly meeting the employees and networking within the firm. Each and everyone of them were friendly and approachable, and most notably willing to help and give up their time. It was so easy to communicate with them even if they were more senior such as a VP or an MD. Also, making good friends with the rest of the interns in my division as well as those in other divisions was a great experience. More generally also getting a feel of what it would be like to work at Goldman Sachs - the pace and the dynamic of the working environment was what I personally found really enjoyable too.

Extremely valued! It was really warming that our group project advisor invested so much of his time to help us and give us as many tips as possible, as well as going out afterwards and introducing us to the rest of his colleagues. Furthermore, a VP giving up an hour of his time to meet up with me for lunch to chat about his role and his thoughts on some of my ideas was definitely a memorable moment for me. There was a quote presented to the rest of the interns at the end of the programme which was: "You are never just an intern".

We were given both a buddy and a mentor. My buddy was also an intern studying almost the same degree as I was and we found that we were very similar in characteristic as well as interests meaning we got along extremely well. This made the whole two weeks all the more enjoyable as much of the tasks and activities we were given were spent together - we were assigned to the same team for the group project and work shadowing rotations. My buddy and I had the same mentor who was a new analyst and had completed a work placement. It was really nice knowing that we could email her at any point if we had any queries or worries. Extremely friendly and I enjoyed meeting up for lunch and breakfast with her to catch up! Even with my group project advisor, he was particularly helpful in introducing me to a colleague of his who worked in a role I was also interested in but was not timetabled in the schedule.

From a technical point of view I gained an insight into the technologies that Goldman Sachs work with within their roles which has helped me to decide what new skills I'd like to research and explore in my own time and play around with (coming from a non-technical background). Personally, I felt the two weeks extremely enhanced my self-development. I have gained a lot more confidence particularly in communicating - presentations and talking and meeting new people. I have improved my organisation and time management skills mainly from how busy our schedules were. It showed how productive one can be when pushed. From the information I received I gained a better idea of what role I could potentially pursue. As well as clarification that the division I applied for is definitely the one I want to work in.

Very well structured. Particularly the HCM catch ups to clarify/reassure us! There was never a moment when I did not have anything to do!

The general atmosphere was extremely refreshing and completely unlike what one might expect of an investment bank with as big a reputation as Goldman Sachs. Whatever anyone was doing, be they intern or employee, everyone seemed to be happy and having fun. Huge emphasis of collaborative work - the communication and teamwork. This made the atmosphere that much welcoming and less of a 'corporate' feeling, whist still remaining professional.

The firm invested a great deal into self-development which was extremely helpful.

Definitely a really good insight into what it was like to have a full time role. We were sending and responding to emails, using their applications for communications, organising meetings ourselves as well as for our own presentations. Making sure we were at the right place at the right time and most importantly meeting the people who could potentially be your colleagues.

The main emphasis was was the company culture from day 1. I feel I have a very good understanding of the company culture.

Extremely. In particular with the work shadowing rotations you get to see first hand what exactly they do. Even if there was a role that you are interested in but isn't scheduled for a rotation you can easily ask anyone to put you in touch with someone in that role.

Paid and reimbursed travel.

Many

Really fun and a lot of effort put into them!

Yes - there are so many!

Definitely