Software Engineer Apprentice Review

by Goldman Sachs

Rating

8.9/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Work on real programming projects that contribute to the firm, spend a lot of time reading existing code to learn and then applying what I've learnt in assigned projects with the help of my team. Aside from programming, a lot of time is spent networking.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Problem-solving skills are a big one. I thought I was already pretty good at this but it turns out there is still a lot you can learn from industry and senior colleagues. I have also improved programming and communication skills.

10/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Working from home has its challenges however the firm has adapted and set up multiple ways to stay connected virtually. The culture at GS is incredibly supportive no one will ever shy away from offering to help. On the university side of things, there is a heavy workload and it can be quite boring at times but I think this is again just due to pandemic restrictions.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

The company is in constant communication with the university and there is plenty of support offered, especially as there are apprentices in above years so they can guide you through and help you with work and uni problems. They are also very considerate to organising study leave etc to prioritise our studies.

10/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

I haven't met anyone within the firm that hasn't offered a helping hand so its safe to say there is a lot of support provided. We are assigned a number of specific people to speak to about all aspects of the programme but are not limited to just these people.

10/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

This may be due to current pandemic restrictions forcing teaching to be done virtually, but the university is not very organised. We aren't treated differently from full-time students so are expected to get a weeks worth of work complete in half the time however we do have a mentor to speak to with concerns.

7/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

At the moment I feel I learn more working in the industry, the university just consolidates learning as oppose to teaching new things.

7/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Plenty of events to get involved with, especially as a new joiner.

10/10

9a. Would you recommend Goldman Sachs to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Wide range of people all here to help. Great benefits and networking opportunities.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Goldman Sachs?

Be yourself they are looking for the people, not the technical skills you already have.