In the words of the man who threatened to fire me, "This place isn't for everyone". - Financial Associate Goldman Sachs Employee Review

1.0
Feb 9, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Goldman offers fantastic training seminars that anyone is welcome to attend. Also, I really did feel like I was learning from the best in the banking industry. The wealth of knowledge that the business leaders have is unbelievable, and if you can manage to schedule some time with them, you'll probably learn more about the industry than you could anywhere else.

Cons

Constant fear. Every person in the office I worked in in Salt Lake knew that only a few missteps could cost them their job. Once a year management picks a bunch of employees they want to replace and walks them out the door (keep in mind, these are all brilliant, hard-working people). Management will remind you of these routine expulsions as means of motivation. Working at Goldman is an intense scramble to be better than your co-workers, because you know that if they happen to be better than you, you will be treated as expendable. I was more anxious and stressed at Goldman than I've ever been in my career, and developed constant, throbbing headaches and had a very hard time sleeping. If management thinks they can replace you with someone better, they won't hesitate to do it. Firing dedicated employees is a very common and cavalier occurrence at Goldman. A culture of rudeness and extreme passive-aggressive behavior is pervasive throughout the company. If someone thinks you aren't important, they often won't respond to your e-mails or calls, regardless of how desperately you need their help. This kind of behavior is completely accepted. Also, expect business leaders to be extremely critical and demanding.

Explore other reviews about Goldman Sachs

5.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Interesting work and opportunities to grow

Cons

Demanding and possible late nights, similar to other demanding industries

3.0
Jun 30, 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The firm encourages and supports to change teams, which is helpful in expanding experience or moving away if you aren't happy with your team

Cons

The promotion has become very opaque lately. They hardly give out promotions, but make you slog and overwork the whole year in the name of it. Basically, you have worked 200% and made to look like a fool by the end of the year.

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