Goldman Sachs

[Chippychop]

Anyone worked for them if so at what level? Are they as awful to work for as I've heard? Or are they the same as any big corporate?

I've had them assist on a deal. They work through the night...

My friend used to work for them. They didn't get to go home until the issue was fixed. Application Support team.

Depends what area?

Depends on the area you are working in. Where do you work now? Some people can make the transition easily others struggle and hate it. A lot depends where you have worked previously. Having said this, GS won't hire you unless they believe you have the personality to thrive in their environment.

It's for my DP, marketing

I agree if your DH is used to the City then he will be used to the working environment and its demands. GS does have a reputation for being more robust but I worked there and it was no different to any other (American) investment bank. I don't know about marketing.

I worked next door to GS offices (for an equally demanding accountancy firm) I expect the culture is the same.

It would be an excellent boost to the CV and would be excellent for a long standing professional career.

Just don't be surprised/shocked if the first few good months you don't see much of him.

A friend worked for them in IT for about 15 years. He got made redundant around age 40, but never needs to work again, from a financial perspective. He did work loads of hours while he was there (but so do many others in IT in other companies,) but he enjoyed it most of the time.

GS have a very strong corporate culture. You really do have to fit in, and it is not always that easy. It's an "up or out" place where mistakes are rarely forgotten. On the upside, a few years there will imbue anyone with an iron clad work ethic, as things get done, they get done well and they get done by consensus, which means that people will openly criticise your ideas but on the other hand, there is massive learning opportunity from having to present your ideas/opinion to experts and get them onboard. And having GS on your resume opens a lot of doors.

I've worked in GS, with the marketing department, although not in it myself.

If he fits in, it will be wonderful for his career. Don't expect to see much of him, though. They work long hours, and it is expected that you will be around if everybody else is. The work ethic there is incredible. It's a wonderful place to learn, but they are very open with their feedback, so it can be difficult if you are sensitive. Some of the interns struggled with the regular criticism, and didn't feel that they ever contributed anything which attracted praise, and I felt very sorry for them!

I've worked in GS, with the marketing department, although not in it myself.

If he fits in, it will be wonderful for his career. Don't expect to see much of him, though. They work long hours, and it is expected that you will be around if everybody else is. The work ethic there is incredible. It's a wonderful place to learn, but they are very open with their feedback, so it can be difficult if you are sensitive. Some of the interns struggled with the regular criticism, and didn't feel that they ever contributed anything which attracted praise, and I felt very sorry for them!