LSBR Blog How a hiring manager at Goldman Sachs perceives MBAs

Is investment banking your dream job? If so, an October 2019 report of the interview conducted by the US News & World Report has revealed that you need to devote some time of your day to pursue a 12 Months MBA degree in a highly ranked business school.

This newly conducted research showed that in 2019, 15% of business class students applied for and secured employment in the financial services sector, with some of them securing placement in investment banks like HSBC, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, or Credit Suisse. Across the board, the average starting pay for 2019 graduates working in the financial services sector was $150,000.

Some of the employers that have a strong relationship with most business schools are the highlight in this article. These hiring managers share insights into the competencies and criteria they consider when interviewing interns and prospective MBA hires.

Goldman Sachs is one of the renowned and prominent global investment banks that offers a broad spectrum of financial services to a considerable and heterogeneous client base of individuals, financial institutions, corporations, and governments.

The executive director in Goldman’s Investment Banking Division, is a 2015 graduate with an MBA degree from a prominent business school in the USA. He specialises in M&A advisory in the technology sector, a role that sees him helping companies on takeovers, mergers, and some of their most important strategic decisions. Since his graduation, he has been an active participant in recruiting efforts for business schools.

What criteria does Goldman Sachs consider when recruiting MBA students?

All humans are unique, and no two candidates are exactly alike; as such, we do not generalise. We hire people and are we are not stereotypical. We believe that diversity can be advantageous to the team. And that an individual’s perspective is largely created through their origins and experiences.

From the preceding statements, one crucial trait we look for in potential candidates is team spirit. We are a very robust organisation, and being a team player is nonnegotiable. It’s not uncommon for me to be amidst analysts, associates, and managing directors all brainstorming to solve an issue.

The desire for two important things. First, and most important, Assessment to see your drive, your passion. One thing we all have in common at Goldman Sachs is that we are super motivated about what we do. You need to show that you desire to work with us right from the interview stage. This can be done through your understanding of our company and what distinguishes Goldman Sachs from others. Do your homework and be able to talk about what’s going on in investment banking within a moment’s notice.

Furthermore, the search for indications that you have strong skills in areas like communication and collaboration and that you would be a good addition to our team. Do you love challenges? Can you work alone? Do you work better with a team? Do You have leadership skills? How do you present ideas?. Work on these, especially when applying for the 12 Months MBA program. Basic technical skills like finance and mathematics are check-box items and critical requirements, but still, they are not the most interesting in assessing a candidate.

How would you describe the Goldman Sachs culture?

I am greatly impressed by the similarity between the Goldman Sachs’ culture and the LSBR Leadership principles. Selflessness is clearly seen in our focus on teamwork on every level. And since each client project is different and unique in its own way, we are always Questioning the norm, and carefully considering the nuances in a deal and seeking to improve the outcome for our clients.

Working with the tech industry as a Student because the landscape is constantly changing through things like technological innovation or market-driving events that impact my clients. You have to be a student of what you’ve already learned to continue to succeed.

Here at Goldman Sachs, I get the opportunity to work with people who have 20-plus years of banking experience, and I’m struck by their Confidence Without Attitude. They are humble and approachable; they inspire me about the kind of person I want to be.

Why does Goldman recruit at reputable business schools?

This might sound like a cliché, but it is true and attested that people are our greatest asset. We don’t have a particular algorithm for our product; our ability to serve clients with the best advice depends on all of us, individually and as team members, doing our best. MBA graduates do come well prepared, and as a result, we are constantly on the lookout for the best and most talented students.

I always enjoy going back to campus to recruit as it reminds me of when I was in the students’ shoes, the anxiety, sweating through the interview process, determined to do my best, and knowing that I have the support of my classmates who are also my teammates

What career advice would you give an MBA student?

When deciding on a career path, be honest with yourself and listen to your inner voice. Make that decision for yourself, not anyone’s else. Be true to yourself. Only when you’re true to yourself can you have a career with impact. And while you’re in your 12 Months MBA program, enjoy it! You can’t be in the program forever