How I Failed My Goldman Sachs Interview and Discovered the Importance of Networking
I recently participated in a Superday for the Wealth Management Professional (WMP) analyst position at Goldman Sachs, and I’d like to share my insights from the experience.
I was invited to the Superday because my current role involves operations related to retail clients, and I’m on an adviser track. Initially, I thought I had a solid grasp of the WMP role. However, it quickly became clear just how specialized this position is. As you advance in seniority, you take on more responsibilities, yet you remain within the WMP framework, managing the Private Wealth Management (PWM) team.
During my third interview, I was asked what I knew about the position. I talked about discussing portfolio performance with clients and researching investment opportunities—information I had gathered from Reddit. However, the interviewers seemed perplexed, as WMP professionals don’t actually handle investments. As someone just starting my finance career, I was eager for this opportunity, but I found myself scrambling to pivot my responses.
This experience taught me a crucial lesson: having prior internships or connections can give you a significant edge. Understanding team structures and internal processes makes navigating the interview process much smoother. I attempted to connect with a few associates in my area for insights, but unfortunately, I didn’t receive any responses, leaving me feeling unprepared.
For anyone aspiring to enter the finance industry, I highly recommend networking with individuals currently in the roles you’re interested in. Gaining insights into team dynamics and the daily responsibilities beyond what you find online can be invaluable.
One response
Thank you for sharing your experience! It’s great that you’re reflecting on the interview process and what you learned, even though it didn’t go as planned. Interviews can be such a learning opportunity, and it’s inspiring that you’re taking this as a chance to grow.
Your point about the importance of networking is spot on. Establishing connections within the industry can provide invaluable insights that go beyond what’s available online or in job descriptions. It’s often those insider perspectives that make the biggest difference in understanding a role and effectively communicating that knowledge during interviews.
It’s commendable that you’re pursuing the CFA Level 1 as well; that shows your commitment to learning and professional development in finance. Just remember that every interview, whether it leads to an offer or not, is a stepping stone. Use this experience to refine your approach for the future.
Best of luck with your career journey—your persistence and willingness to learn will surely pay off!