
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
The fortnight-long Spring Program was even better than I expected it to be. I really enjoyed getting a deeper insight into the workings of my division and Goldman Sachs as a whole, and learnt so many things from the experience.
There was a strong emphasis on the collaborative culture of Goldman Sachs where each employee is valued for all their skills, knowledge, insights and opinions. The flatter hierarchy meant I felt I could approach senior colleagues and felt valued when I did.
Part of the idea of the program was that we had to know our own schedules and be where we were meant to be on time and prepared. This meant that we were given slightly less guidance and support, but for good reason! If I ever had an important question or problem, there was always someone I could go to and ask.
I learned financial, accounting and valuation skills which I am sure will provide me with a good foundation for any future studies or work in finance. Other skills I have developed include analytical and teamwork skills, and I also believe that I have become significantly more confident in myself.
The Company
Despite some technical issues, the program was very well structured with a timetable of events each day and free time in between in which we could work on our group projects or meet with senior employees at GS to learn about their experience and jobs.
Every day had something new and interesting to learn and experience. I felt that everyone worked very hard, but this meant that we got the most out of the program as possible!
We had significant training in interview skills, teamwork, Excel, accounting and valuation.
The assignment of group projects meant we had an experience of the work of a research analyst.
There is a perception outside the firm that Goldman Sachs is very intense and perhaps unfriendly. I won't deny that it was hard work with long days, however the culture was still very friendly, collaborative and supportive.
I am now sure that I would like a career in Global Investment Research. The only thing I am unsure of is whether I would like to be an analyst on the micro (equities) or macro (FX, economics, strategy, etc.) side.
Everything Else
I was paid a good daily rate, provided with paid-for 4* hotel accommodation and reimbursed for a return journey into London.
There were some structured networking events but if we wanted to meet other employees it was up to us to arrange meetings.
Learnt about the gym and also the Corporate Engagement programmes.
It was a fantastic experience from which I learnt a huge amount!
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Investment Banking, Data Science
London
April 2017