| Topic Name: |
GPA |
| Message Name: |
... |
| Date Posted: |
01/17/2006 |
| In Reply To: |
Which school did you go to, if I may ask..
Also, did you have any other qualifications which you feel set you apart from the other candidates, or did you just interview really well?
How were your interviews? |
| Message: |
I'd rather not say right now which school I went to.
I did have a few things going both for and against me.
I did two undegrad degrees, first Economics and then Finance. After completing Econ with an embarrasing GPA I worked for a bit at a small consulting firm doing accounts receivables and then worked for a much larger company doing IT work. I was trying to find a good financial job throughout this but it was tough because of my academic work. I decided to go back to school part-time to get a second under-grad degree in Finance in order to boost my GPA and show on paper that I could do the work. It also gave me the opportunity to demonstrate my drive in overcoming mistakes, etc.
My first interview was with the recruiters and they went really well. They asked basic behavioral questions. I ended up turning the interview around on them and began asking a lot of questions delving into their personal goals with Goldman.
The second round was a Superday with 3 interviewers and 4 other candidates. They went well but I knew I didn't give it my all during the 30 minutes I had with each interviewer. They asked just behavioral questions. I follwed up after the 1st week and was told that I was still being considered. I got an offer for another job which I didn't want and followed up with Goldman again but was told the positions were already filled. I heard GS was shady like that and was definately upset. However they said they were going to forward some "strong" candidates to another department and they would let me know if I was going to be considered.
I knew I should have followed up more frequently regardless of what the recruiters said so I began doing that with this second chance. If anything, your name gets tossed around so they will remember you. Well it worked and was called for another position which I actually liked better. A friend of mine does the same type of job for another firm so I forwarded the position description to him and he walked me through, what they do and stuff. I highly suggest getting in touch with family/friends who work within a similar field to explain job descriptions. I understood the job better and was able to relate my past experiences. I also was able to give an example of what I would be doing. The interviewers were very impressed with this. Additionally Goldman is very very big on coporate culture which is all about teamwork to them. Demonstrating that is key to showing them, you are a good fit. After interviewing with 10 people on a friday afternoon, I knew I got this position.
Surprisingly I was never asked any real technical questions, just behavioral. A few folks did ask me about general market events and I delved into Hedge Funds a bit. They basically wanted to make sure I was aware of current trends and that I could speak generally about them and give an opinion.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
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