Goldman Sachs reviews

3.7

66% would recommend to a friend

(19,450 total reviews)
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David M. Solomon

64% approve of CEO

66% positive business outlook

Goldman Sachs has an employee rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 19,450 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Goldman Sachs employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Finanzas industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

19K reviews
5.0
Feb 27, 2010

Good Overall Experience, Managers Need Work

Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I have worked at GS for 10 years, and the level of professionalism of my colleagues is the best part of working there. Generally very team-oriented, despite the high-caliber of self-motivated individuals that tend to work there. Excellent benefits, salary and bonus potential. Focus on the client and business principles are not just words on a page, the firm constantly reinforces them and demands them of each employee. Challenging work, good internal mobility for those who perform.

Cons

You are completely on your own in terms of career development and progression. Managers are not not expected to manage their people,nor are they rated in this area in their annual performance reviews. I was told straight out by a former manager that he was not rated on his ability to manage people who worked for him. 6 years under his management and I can confirm that is the case. Determine what you want your career path to be, then make it known broadly that's what you want. Your personal career development and success may not be a priority or even a concern of your direct supervisor. Don't assume working 70-80 hours per week will get you noticed or rewarded. You need to network and say 'No' often enough to force management to address resourcing issues or your career aspirations. Getting everything done no matter what simply enables them avoid addressing issues within their area of concern, and take credit for keeping things running smoothly. Managers at GS simply don't exist .... they are expected only to deliver towards the bottom-line, not to worry about the needs of their people. It's one way of doing things, and has certainly been successful, but be aware of this fact and act accordingly.

2.0
Apr 16, 2009
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Fair working environment - not leading edge.

Cons

Goldman is a very strange mixture of people. Some people are very smart, people who make very big contribution both inside and outside the company. However, at least in technology where most of my experience is, there are a number of people who are either completely un-motivated or just not smart at all. I'd like to refrain from saying they are dumb because that would probably be off the mark, but I have seen a much higher number of people who don't know what they are doing.The corporate culture, as I see it, is very arrogant. I've found about a 50/50 split between people who are very full of themselves and people who are normal, decent people.

4.0
Dec 2, 2008
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexibilility in time off. No limits on the time you take (i.e. 3 times in a 3 month period, then you are written up). Noone asks why you are taking the time. Training is top notch and the name will open doors for you. Advnacement is touted, but you really have to earn it.

Cons

They are quick to lay off. Your really have to prove yourself. They are extremely task oriented, but ate the same time there is alot of favoritism and if you are not within the clique, then you have limited potential.

Viewing 226 - 228 of 19,450 Reviews

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