Goldman Sachs

Introduction: Why This Question Matters In the competitive world of finance, securing a job at a top-tier investment bank is a major achievement — and one that sets you up for a lucrative, high-powered career. But not all banks are created equal when it comes to hiring standards. Some are notoriously selective , with acceptance rates lower than Ivy League schools. So which bank is truly the hardest to get into — and why? Let’s break it down. 1. Defining “Hardest”: What Are We Measuring? Before we crown a winner, we need to define what “hardest to get a job at” really means. In this context, we're measuring a combination of: Acceptance Rate Academic and Professional Requirements Interview Intensity Competition Volume Prestige Bias (target school favoritism) Global Demand The bank that consistently ranks highest across these criteria is generally considered the toughest to break into. 2. The Contenders: Top Bulge Bracket Banks The top global investment b...

Introduction: The Reality Behind the Prestige Goldman Sachs is one of the most respected financial institutions in the world. It offers unmatched exposure, elite deal experience, and compensation packages that many only dream of. But behind the prestige lies a hard truth: 👉 Yes — Goldman Sachs is a stressful place to work. But how stressful, and why? Let’s unpack the workload, culture, expectations, and how employees cope — and whether the trade-offs are worth it. 1. The Nature of the Work: High-Stakes, High-Pressure At its core, Goldman Sachs operates in high-stakes financial environments — whether that’s investment banking, trading, risk, or engineering. 📈 Key Stress Drivers: Tight deadlines for billion-dollar deals Markets that move in seconds Demanding client expectations 24/7 connectivity culture Complex regulations and compliance requirements Employees are constantly juggling competing priorities , while producing flawless output — often on little sl...

Introduction: GPA and the Goldman Sachs Dream Landing a job at Goldman Sachs is one of the most competitive achievements in the finance world. Whether you're aiming for an analyst position straight out of undergrad or applying to an internship, your GPA is one of the most important early filters in the process. But what GPA do you actually need? Is there a minimum? Does it differ across schools? Let’s explore everything you need to know. 1. Why GPA Matters at Goldman Sachs At Goldman Sachs, GPA is a key screening tool , especially during the first stage of the recruitment process — the online application. Why it’s important: A high GPA signals academic discipline , work ethic, and intellectual sharpness . Goldman receives hundreds of thousands of applications , so GPA helps recruiters narrow the field quickly. Many internships and full-time roles automatically filter out resumes below a certain GPA. While it’s not the only thing that matters, a strong GPA is a...

Introduction: The Prestige of Goldman Sachs Goldman Sachs is more than just a bank — it’s a global financial powerhouse, synonymous with prestige, high compensation, and elite deal-making. For many aspiring professionals, a job at Goldman is the ultimate career launchpad. But the journey to land an offer is notoriously difficult. In this article, we’ll unpack how hard it is to get a job at Goldman Sachs , from application volume and selection criteria to interview difficulty and real-world rejection rates. 1. The Numbers: How Competitive Is It Really? Every year, Goldman Sachs receives hundreds of thousands of applications for a few thousand open roles. 🔢 Key Stats (Recent Years): Over 300,000 applicants globally Fewer than 2% of applicants are hired For internship roles, the acceptance rate can be as low as 1.5% To put it in perspective: ✅ Harvard’s undergraduate acceptance rate is ~3.5% ❌ Goldman’s is lower. This makes Goldman Sachs one of the most selective e...

Introduction: Breaking Into Goldman Sachs Getting a job at Goldman Sachs is no easy feat. It’s one of the most competitive and prestigious financial institutions in the world, attracting top graduates from Ivy League schools and beyond. But once you land the job, one of the biggest questions people have is: “What will I earn?” Let’s dive deep into the starting salary at Goldman Sachs, especially for entry-level roles such as Analysts , Engineers , and Associates , and see how it plays out across divisions and cities. 1. Who Are “Entry-Level” Employees at Goldman Sachs? Before we talk numbers, it’s important to define what “starting salary” means at Goldman Sachs: Analysts : Entry-level roles for recent undergraduates (usually 21–23 years old). New Associates : Typically hired out of top MBA programs or promoted from Analyst roles (mid- to late-20s). Entry-Level Engineers : Software developers hired from technical schools or coding bootcamps. Interns : While not perma...

Introduction: A Reputation Built on Pay Goldman Sachs is widely regarded as one of the highest-paying employers in global finance. From entry-level analysts to senior partners, the firm’s compensation structure is designed to attract top talent, reward performance, and retain the best minds in the industry. But how high is “high paying” — and what does that really look like across the company? Let’s explore the salaries, bonuses, and incentives that make Goldman Sachs a magnet for ambitious professionals. 1. How Goldman Sachs Pays: The Basics Goldman Sachs offers total compensation , which includes: Base salary (fixed, paid monthly) Annual bonus (performance-based, often large) Stock awards and long-term incentives Benefits (healthcare, retirement, wellness perks) The firm follows a “pay-for-performance” model — the better you and your division perform, the more you earn. Key Traits: Bonuses can be equal to or greater than salary Senior roles often incl...

Introduction: Titans of Global Finance JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs are two of the most influential financial institutions in the world. While they often compete in similar arenas—investment banking, asset management, trading—their core businesses, culture, and strategic focus are quite different. Goldman Sachs is often seen as the elite investment bank with a focus on markets and advisory, while JPMorgan is a diversified financial services powerhouse with a massive global footprint. 1. Business Focus and Model Goldman Sachs: Specialization and Prestige Historically an investment bank and trading firm . Smaller, more focused on institutional clients. Strong presence in M&A, IPOs, trading, and wealth management . Recently expanded into consumer banking (Marcus, Apple Card). JPMorgan Chase: Scale and Diversity The largest bank in the U.S. by assets (~$3.9 trillion in 2024). Business segments include: Consumer & Community Banking ...