Worth applying to Goldman Sachs?
I know a job at GS is the WS holy grail in a many ways. I'd love to apply there, but I don't know if I have a chance in hell of getting hired and don't want to waste anyone's time. Thoughts - should I bother applying? If so, what's the best way? Apply online? I'd love to talk to someone who actually works there to figure out how to get my resume in the right hands.
About me:
Bachelor's degree, International Business, 3.6 GPA
NOT Ivy League or Tier 1 (small but respectable private university)
Mensa member
7 years in brokerage / financial services industry
Series 7 and 63 licensed
Former small business owner
Multiple leadership roles in ECs
I'd like to apply as an Associate, since I'm not coming directly out of school. Any thoughts on my chances?
All (informed) opinions would be appreciated. Please be gentle! :-)
You will need contacts within the firm, for sure. The best way to get your resume "in the right hands" will be through firm contacts. Whether that be alumni, or just people you've met over the course of your time in the business, you will need to reach out to those contacts. Since I'm not sure what group you'd be aiming for, or division, that's probably the best advice I can provide. If you are looking to break into IB, you will definitely have a tough time and you will definitely need to use those contacts to the fullest - without contacts, and by applying solely through the online system, I don't see you having a very good shot.
You might, alternatively, consider B school, since you have the WE, ECs, solid GPA, etc - a strong GPA can definitely open up doors, given your background, to big players in the IB space - nothing is ever a guarantee, but it would definitely help strengthen your candidacy, and allow you to make some valuable contacts (and provide you with alumni contacts).
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It's like a catch-22. I don't think I can afford B-school (at least a good one, which I'll need for the resume since undergrad wasn't stellar) without help from an employer or a better salary. I hadn't planned on IB, at least not at first. I'm more interested in real estate or M&A. I know a couple of people (contacts of contacts) who work there and am trying to get closer to them to get advice. I'm having trouble finding many people to talk to, though. Any suggestions on how to actually meet current employees?
See previous.
So you don't have an MBA?
No MBA... yet. It's in the plans, but I need some sort of financial assistance (fellowships, tuition reimbursement) so that I don't end up with another $100k+ in student loan debt. I've seen some profiles of GS employees with only a BA or BS, so it looks like it's possible.
Never say never.
I'm trying not to. :-)
I don't know why people are sugar-coating it. Your chances are pretty much slim to none. GS has lines of HBS, Wharton, Columbia, Chicago MBAs waiting outside the door to work as an associate. So without that MBA from a top school, I really don't see how likely it is for you to get your foot in the door.
You have no chance if you don't try. I am a bit concerned that you asked a message board this question because if you don't have the fearless gene, I'm not sure you'll enjoy the journey. You have to fail to succeed. So if you really want to succeed, be prepared to fail. If you are afraid to fail, then you don't need me to tell you that you already have.
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