Goldman Sachs internships: programmes, timetable and preparation

An internship at Goldman Sachs is not a single application to “finance”. The group recruits students into very different divisions: Investment Banking, FICC and Equities, Asset Management, Wealth Management, Risk, Operations, Engineering and Global Investment Research. Your first task is to choose where your background makes sense.

The EMEA Summer Analyst Programme

For the 2027 EMEA programme, Goldman Sachs states that applications open on 15 August 2026. The Summer Analyst Programme generally lasts nine to ten weeks and is aimed at bachelor’s or master’s students in their penultimate or final year, according to the published criteria.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. That means submitting a ready application early is preferable to waiting until the deadline with a slightly more polished CV. Check available locations in each listing.

Goldman Sachs describes the programme as an immersion in day-to-day activities, with orientation, training and real responsibilities alongside teams. The actual work depends heavily on the division.

Choose a division

Do not choose Investment Banking simply because it is the best-known title. Compare the work: transaction advice, markets, research, asset management, engineering and risk control draw on different skills and operate at different paces.

For each division you are considering, write three lines: the problem it solves for clients, an analyst’s tasks and evidence from your experience. If you cannot fill those lines in, continue researching before applying.

The official Students page recommends exploring roles and identifying where your skills and interests align. This is also the best protection against a generic answer to “Why this division?”.

Your CV

Use one page, in English if the listing is in English. Make your degree, graduation date, relevant academic results, experience and any requested work authorisations or location constraints visible.

Bullet points should describe an impact or responsibility. For Investment Banking, prioritise financial analysis, sector research and preparation of materials. For Engineering, show deployed projects, code quality, data and results. For Markets, demonstrate an understanding of products and risk without turning your CV into market commentary.

Review every line: an interview may start with an apparently minor detail. Our M&A CV guide is useful for Investment Banking applications.

The interview process

Goldman Sachs’ preparation page says an initial selection may lead to a video interview of around thirty minutes. Successful candidates may then be invited to a Superday, generally comprising several interviews; the number varies by division. Engineering candidates may receive a HackerRank assessment.

Prepare three dimensions:

• Fit: your background, choice of division, teamwork, failure and learning.
• Business: the division’s role, current events and your reason for choosing Goldman Sachs.
• Technical: finance, markets, coding or risk, depending on the role.

For Investment Banking, revise accounting, valuation and transactions with our M&A interview guide. For Markets, be ready to present a current event and its possible consequences, distinguishing fact from opinion.

Answering “Why Goldman Sachs?”

Reputation is not enough. Refer to the learning model, a team, a programme or something published by the division. Then connect it to personal experience.

One possible line of reasoning: “My project on X made me want to work on Y; this division deals with Y internationally; I can contribute through Z.” The aim is to show continuity in your choices, not to flatter.

A realistic preparation plan

Two weeks before an interview, alternate technical preparation and speaking practice. Prepare a 90-second introduction, two experiences in STAR format and a relevant current event. Then hold three practice interviews, including one in English.

Avoid memorising a script word for word. Follow-up questions quickly reveal a memorised answer. Work on the ideas and evidence instead.

Browse available Goldman Sachs listings on Screeningpass and check dates on the official Students and Summer Analyst EMEA pages.

Frequently asked questions

Can you apply to several divisions?

Rules on the number and order of preferences can change. Check the campaign portal and avoid making several choices without a coherent reason.

Do you need a finance background?

Not for every division. Goldman Sachs says it seeks varied skills and backgrounds. You must still demonstrate the foundations needed for your chosen role.

When should you start preparing?

Before applications open: your CV, division choice and interview examples should be ready. For EMEA 2027, the stated opening is 15 August 2026.