Spring intern Review

At first it was a bit shocking, mainly because I'd never done an internship before and I was a bit overwhelmed with what was expected of us, but as the weeks went by and we got to do more case studies and worked with the people, I enjoyed it much more. I first wondered whether this was something I was really into, however this experience has showed me that Investment Banking is an area where you never stop learning, and as they say, "no two days are the same". It is continously challenging and exciting, with new deals and different problems to be faced everyday. I think it is one of the careers where personal development reaches its fullest potential and where everyone who is hardworking and enthusiastic can make a successful career.

It was very nice to have so many people around with so different backgrounds. I felt like everyone was heading in the same direction and we shared lots of common interests. At first it might be difficult to be with so many strangers, however as the days went by we already knew each other and we could have fun while working. Senior speakers also talked to us in a plain and friendly way, providing an insight into their everyday work life but also offering themselves to help us if we needed help. I think it is amazing the amount of effort GS puts into not only in selecting the right people, but afterwards, how it ensures that everyone feels part of the company. Their culture is embracing and has room for everyone, and that is something that you can see from day 1.

I had contact with my buddy and had lunch with her a couple of times. She gave me a more clear and direct insight into how the company worked and talked me through her everyday work. We also counted with the Human Capital Management team, who welcomed us every morning and were always there in case we needed anything. However I would have liked some individual feedback along the way.

I now know more about accounting and how it really works, how to value a company and how to analyse a problem looking at the big picture. I have also learned a bit more about myself and the areas where I need to put more effort in, like how to present in front of an audience, the importance of teamwork and how important it is to be a professional student. I have also learned that a diverse workforce is something to aim for, since it is here where the best ideas come from.

We had a timetable and it was followed rigorously, we always knew what was coming next and so could prepare ourselves for that.

We carried out lots of different activities; there were insights into the company and its working, different divisions, people at different levels in the hierarchy (you get to know every stage of the process and how individuals see their work, the different responsibilities each has). There were fun activities too, like the Women in IBD, where there were really fun quizzes, or the fair they did with sweets, drinks, etc. It was exciting and something different to do. The culture at GS ensures that the people with whom you work with are friendly, focused and hardworking, and therefore it has been a pleasure to work in such a cooperative and team oriented environment.

In terms of training, we dedicated one day and a half entirely to learning about accounting and valuation techniques. I had already learned that at university, however it was reallly interesting to put out knowledge into practice with the case studies provided and the examples we did whilst learning. They also had different people coming to our room and talking to us about their job, their experience and their personal views on the firm. This relates to personal development and the skills needed to progress in your career. By having people at the different stages of the ladder, it was a really good chance to see how people develop to get to their full potential .

We talked to different workers at GS who provided an insight into how they work, however when we really got a chance to see this, in my opinion, was both by working on the case studies provided and by talking to analysts or juniors more in an informal setting. GS allowed this to take place, because it is not the same to talk to a class full of people about how your work really is. It might be easier if there is no pressure on having to give the talk, and just have a chat about how their work is like.

It was not only the talks at the beginning of the week to all of the interns, but also with each of the guest speakers who came to our room. They all emphasised the importance of teamwork, integrity, meritocracy, excellence, etc. It isn't just a business principle printed out in their annual report, but a real, tangible aspect of their work. You can see how passionately people talk about their work and their firm. When asked about "Why Goldman Sachs?", they give you their true and honest view about the company, and it really is present in everyone's opinion of the firm, from the most senior worker to a recently hired analyst.

When I first joined the internship, I wasn't really as sure about whether this was a career meant for me, whether I would fit in the culture or the actual work. However, as the days went by and I got to know better both the industry and the firm, I realised this is something I really enjoy doing. We have talked to people who are passionate about their job, who do not mind working long hours or being involved in different deals at a time. For them, it is the nature of the job and the constant challenge that pushes them forward, and I have feel identified with this culture. Goldman Sachs has really given us an insight into what work in Investment Banking really is, and although I did not have my mindset clear at first, I now know that this is a career I want to start. There are huge opportunities for advancement, personal development and, what is more important, the possibility to enjoy your work.

We received compensation for joining the program and we were also reimbursed travel expenses on the first day of the internship.

We had networking events, both junior and senior workers come to our tables to have a chat and we had the opportunity to ask them as many questions as we liked. But not only this, they also gave us the chance of meeting them outside and have a coffee with them to gain a deeper insight into their division and their responsibilities.

They had people from all the divisions in Investment Banking, so we had a chance to see how each worked and the kind of deals that are undertaken in each. However some of the events were a bit short (the careers fair namely), however the firmwide networking events were a really good opportunity to meet people from different affinity groups, share common interests and experiences and learn from them.

They showed us a presentation with several activities that GS is involved in, charities and other programs where employees can go and help, however this was not the focus of the program.

It gives you, first, an insight into Investment Banking, and you can really learn how this industry works. Secondly, you see from the inside how Goldman Sachs work, their culture, their employees and their ways of working. This is amazing. Thirdly, to me it has been an amazing and unique experience. I have learned not only about technical things that will help me at university, but I have had the chance to meet extraordinary people from different backgrounds. It really is a diverse workforce, not only country wise but study background too. You really learn to see the big picture and take every single view into account, things that you may never have thought about. Furthermore, in my case, I have realised that I was in a bubble back in my homecountry and my university. I have learned how the real world of work is like, how to work with people from different cultures and the importance of communication and of having an open mind. Finally, I have found that this really is what I want to work in. I have had an insight into this industry, and luckily in a unique company, and I think this offers many more opportunities for learning, advancement and personal growth than any other career option.