Breaking Into Goldman Sachs: My Summer Analyst Journey

Landing a summer analyst position at Goldman Sachs was nerve-wrecking, but ultimately rewarding. Here's the real story of how I navigated their rigorous application process, from HackerRank to offer letter.

The Application Timeline

Here's how my 2.5-month journey unfolded:

• 10 August 2024: Applied for Summer Analyst Internship 2025
• 12 August 2024: HackerRank Challenge - Programming-focused assessment (120 minutes, 3-4 problems)
• 4 October 2024: HireVue Video Interview - Behavioural questions + one technical explanation challenge
• 15 October 2024: HR Confirmation - Resume details verification
• 23 October 2024: Superday - Two 45-minute in-person interviews
• 31 October 2024: Offer Received! (One week post-interview)

Stage 1: HackerRank

I chose the programming track over math + programming since I wasn't targeting quant roles. The challenge included 3-4 data structure problems ranging from easy to medium difficulty.

Key tip: Manage your time wisely even though 120 minutes sounds generous at first.

Stage 2: HireVue

After nearly 1.5 months, I received the HireVue invitation. This one-way video interview was tough as no retakes are allowed. The behavioural questions were standard, but I recalled one technical question that caught my attention: "Explain a complex technical concept to someone without a tech background."

Pro tip: Speak slower than you think you need to. I realise I tend to naturally speed up and lose clarity under pressure.

Stage 3: Engineering Superday

The superday format was two 45-minute interviews comprising of one behavioural and one technical. Both conducted in-person with two interviewers each.

Behavioural Round

This wasn't the typical "tell me about yourself" session. They dug deep into situational responses and my technical internship experiences. The question that stuck with me was"How would you explain what you do in your internship to your parents?". I felt that there was a clearly a recurring theme about simplifying complexity.

They wrapped up with the classic: "Why should we choose you among other candidates?".

Technical Round

After a brief 10-minute, it was time for the technical round. Here's what they threw at me:

• SQL Challenge: Medium-difficulty problem involving JOINs and aggregate functions (whiteboard setting)
• Data Structures: Knowledge check on fundamentals
• Algorithm Problem: Medium LeetCode-style question (whiteboard setting)
• System Design: Simple scenario-based question
• Testing Discussion: How I approach code testing
• Unique Project: I presented my machine unlearning research

The whiteboard setting added pressure, but I felt that talking through my thought process helped both the interviewers follow my logic.

Post Interview

I left feeling slightly optimistic as I thought I did not do that well behaviourally. My first in-person interview experience was nerve-wrecking, but I felt I'd given my best effort, given the short period of time to prepare.

Just one week later, the offer email arrived. At that point, I already had an offer from another Bank but ultimately, I chose Goldman Sachs.

Three key takeaways for anyone who is attemping to break into Goldman Sachs

1. Master Your Data Structures Fundamentals

Know when to use each one and understand their trade-offs inside and out. That means you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches well enough to prove your point.

2. Communication is Everything

Maintain eye contact, verbalise your thought process before coding, and practice explaining complex concepts simply. The recurring theme of "breaking down complex problems into simpler tasks" should tell you everything about what they value.

3. Technical Skills will only get you as far

Goldman Sachs values candidates who can bridge the gap between complex technology and business impact. I feel that being technically excellent isn't enough. More importantly, your soft skills will carry you through the interview process.

Coming up next: My 10-week experience as a Goldman Sachs Summer Analyst - the projects, the culture, and the lessons learned. Stay tuned!