goldman sachs degree apprenticeship cover letter

An ex-Goldman Sachs salesman's guide to writing a cover letter that works

Applying for roles in the world of finance, investment banking, business and consulting can be an arduous and lengthy process. Whether you’re an undergrad, postgrad or an experienced professional the one thing that’s more grueling than putting together a CV: creating a cover letter. Get it wrong, and your inbox will be hit with the dreaded ‘Unfortunately...’ email. Get it right, and it can be your golden ticket to an interview. Your cover letter is where an organization can get a glimpse of you as an individual rather than bullet points containing your achievements from your CV.

Below is an insider’s list of the things you should (and shouldn’t) be doing when writing your cover letter. Keep in mind it’s not only human resource/recruitment professionals that review your cover letter. It’ll also be reviewed by junior and senior employees within the division/team you’ve applied for.

Do keep it succinct.  Your cover letter should never exceed 1 page. A good rule of thumb is to keep it between 70% and 90% of A4 (standard paper size). This is important as they’ll likely have hundreds to read through.

Do structure your cover letter appropriately. Your cover letter should (I) include a brief introduction about yourself and what you’ve been up to over the last 1-3 years, (II) explain why you want to work for that specific company, (III) describe why the specific division/business area is an area of interest to you and (IV) illustrate why you, as an individual, are suited for the role.

Do mention  firm  events you’ve attended and name drop employees you’ve met .  If I’m reading your cover letter and I notice you’ve attended a networking/insight event or met colleagues of mine, immediately I’ll think you’re proactive, engaged and interested in this field of work. This makes a big difference especially if you don’t have a lot of work experience. It also builds a greater connection between you and the reader as opposed to a candidate who hasn’t proactively networked.

Do include relevant experiences and/or transferable skills . Relevant experiences give the reader peace of mind. Highlight your relevant experiences and emphasize what you’ve achieved in them and the specific skills learnt and/or developed that’ll be useful and required in the role you are applying for. This will help the reader buy into your story. If you don’t have relevant experience, use whatever experience you do have to highlight relevant transferable skills.

Do explain why the organization stands out.  What is it about that specific organization that stands out to you? Was it the people you met at the firm? A social initiative that stood out? The firm’s expertise and specialism in a specific area of the market? Find your reason and stress exactly why that means so much to you. The key here is to not make it generic and applicable to other organizations.

Do share your story.  Take the reader on your personal journey and let your personality come through on your cover letter. A strong cover letter can differentiate itself from the pack and tells a story well, and in doing so leaves a lasting (positive) impression on the reader.

Do be strict with your use of sentences.  You have a finite number of words to use in your cover letter in order to sell yourself to the reader. Thus, it is vital that every point has a purpose i.e. identifies a skill learnt, positive outcome, etc. Ask yourself “So what?” at the end of each point you make.

Do speak the firm’s language.  Every organization has a mission statement, key principles and beliefs they abide by. Find these on their website and pay particular attention to the language used. If your cover letter speaks the organization's ‘language’, the reader is more likely to believe that you’ll be a good fit for the organizations culture.

Don’t come across as if you’re owed this job . Everyone hates an arrogant applicant. Don’t boast or show off. Be humble in your approach. Remember, you’re asking for an interview and job, thus it’s important that you come across as likable.

Don’t be generic and vague.  One of the most common mistakes candidates make (I’m guilty of having done this once upon a time), which costs valuable space, is highlighting generic information from the company’s website. Examples include the number of locations the firm operates from, number of employees working for the firm, etc. Don’t use easy to obtain information – all of the ‘basic’ cover letters do this.

Don’t shoot yourself in the foot. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors cost candidates interview offers all too often. Such errors display a lack of attention to detail and care – two very important qualities in the world of finance. I’ve seen a cover letter spell ‘great’ as ‘grate’, and it isn’t uncommon for many cover letters to miss full stops. Printing out your cover letter will likely display errors that you would have missed on screen.

A large part of a hiring manager’s role is risk management. They need to hire the right people for their team and the company as a whole. Hiring is an expensive and lengthy process, and therefore it is important for you as a potential hire to minimise the risks associated with hiring you. Simply follow the above tips when writing your cover letter, pair it up with a strong CV, and you’ll be receiving interview invitations in no time!

Afzal Hussein is the Founder and CEO of Official CV Doctor . Prior to this, Afzal spent 4 years in Sales at Goldman Sachs . Afzal currently sits on a number of charity boards and will be launching his millennial consulting company in the summer of 2018. Click here to join over 34k students and professionals following Afzal’s posts on careers, millennials and productivity on LinkedIn.

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Goldman Sachs has launched a new apprenticeship scheme — applicants will be able to combine a degree with experience on the trading floor

• Goldman Sachs has launched a new four-year, degree apprenticeship scheme. 
• Applicants will combine a paid job on the trading floor with a degree in Applied Finance. 
• It's aimed at improving social mobility. The bank will cover fees and relocation costs. 

Wall Street giant Goldman Sachs has unveiled a new apprenticeship scheme aimed at giving students from low-income backgrounds the opportunity to earn a degree while working towards a career on the trading floor.

Goldman Sachs' Global Markets Degree Apprenticeship scheme — which opened for applications on Monday — offers apprentices the chance to earn a degree in Applied Finance while working a full time job at its London offices. 

Apprentices will work five days a week on the trading floor in return for a competitive salary and bonuses, and complete their studies in two stints every semester, The Guardian newspaper reported . 

The move comes with banks under pressure to improve their levels of diversity amid an increasingly competitive labor market. A 2020 report by the City of London Corporation found that nine in 10 senior roles were held by someone from a higher socio-economic background. 

Under the Goldman scheme, which is initially open to 10 students, the bank will pay for relocation costs, equipment and tuition fees. 

The four year apprenticeship, offered in conjunction with Queen Mary University of London, will start in September 2022. Applications close on Feb 27th, 2022. 

Daniel Freckleton, a managing director in global markets at Goldman Sachs told The Guardian that the scheme was aimed at attracting students from as diverse a talent-pool as possible, which included socio-economic background. 

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"Unfortunately, we're currently missing out on a lot of this talent, either because students are put off by the traditional recruitment process, the financial barriers of university study, or simply because they are not aware of the kinds of jobs that Goldman has to offer them," he said.

Other well-known investment banks have also used apprenticeship schemes to widen their recruitment pools.

In October 2020, JP Morgan launched a similar scheme that sees apprentices combine a front office investment banking rol e with a degree in applied finance from the University of Exeter. 

Swiss banking giant UBS currently offers an apprenticeship programme, also in conjunction with the University of Exeter. Goldman Sachs also has a degree apprenticeship within its engineering division. 

In July Standard Chartered launched a scheme that removed the requirement for applicants to have a degree .

In principle, degree apprenticeships — which enable students to combine work with full-time study — can be a very good way of improving social mobility, said Charlie Bell, senior consultant for labour market intelligence at JISC, which provides research into higher education.  However, he said in practice it can be different.

"Because they're a good option and offer work experience alongside getting paid rather than paying fees, what's happened is that well connected people have gone on to them, more than the less well connected people from less socially mobile backgrounds," he said.

He said that Goldman Sachs will have to ensure it takes active steps to ensure that its intake is diverse, which includes looking at the context within which a person achieved good grades. 

Candidates should demonstrate that they're committed to growing and learning

Goldman Sachs is known for its traditionally long interview process — which has been known to consist of between six and 20 interviews depending on the seniority of the role. The bank has recently considered shortening the process.  

Recruiters say that the bank values candidates who are curious and can demonstrate they're committed to "growing and learning ".  

Showing your technical and social skills as well as having something to "show your passion" outside of work can help you stand ou t, they say.

Insider has reached out to Goldman Sachs for an interview.

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• Queen Mary University of London
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Queen Mary partners with Goldman Sachs for new degree apprenticeship

Queen Mary University of London and Goldman Sachs are launching a new Global Markets degree apprenticeship, offering students a chance to gain four years of work experience at a world-leading investment firm and a degree from one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities. Those accepted will join September 2022.

Queen Mary is unique among Russell Group universities for opening the doors of opportunity to anyone with the potential to succeed. Combining the unique strengths of Queen Mary and Goldman Sachs creates a path for any student, regardless of their background, to develop a high-flying career in finance.

Apprentices who complete the four-year programme will receive a BSc degree in Applied Finance from Queen Mary, the country’s most inclusive Russell Group university, and both a level 4 and level 6 apprenticeship in finance. These students will not pay any university tuition fees and will receive a competitive salary from, and extensive work experience with, one of the world’s leading investment firms. And at the end of the programme, apprentices will be considered for new analyst positions at Goldman Sachs.

Apprentices accepted onto the programme will spend five days a week on the trading floor at Goldman Sachs while also studying at Queen Mary’s School of Economics and Finance from their desks and through two one-week “teaching sprints” per semester. The degree programme will consist of both face-to-face and online education and will include practitioner qualification training modules (IMC and CFA level 1). Students will be taught a wide range of topics from machine learning to portfolio management.

Dr Philippa Lloyd, Vice-Principal Policy and Strategic Partnerships at Queen Mary, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity which we are delighted to be able to offer. It will no doubt open doors and provide fantastic educational and training opportunities to those accepted onto the scheme.

“Queen Mary was the first Russell Group institution to deliver a Degree Apprenticeship programme, and this is another example of our unwavering commitment to helping our students progress. We want to do all that we can to boost their chances of enjoying a rewarding and fulfilling career.”

Professor Jason Sturgess, Head of the School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary, said: “We’re excited to launch this new opportunity here at Queen Mary and to strengthen our partnership with one of the world’s most distinguished investment firms.

“We hope the scheme will help to increase social mobility in banking and finance, and of course provide those from all walks of life with the opportunity for the career they have always wanted. A student’s background should never be a barrier to a world-class education nor a successful working life.”

Professor Francis Breedon, Professor of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary and Director of the Applied Finance Degree Apprenticeship Programme, said: “Those who are accepted onto this programme can be assured of receiving a rigorous education in finance that is directly focused on their work.

“Apprentices will immediately be able to see how the skills and teaching they receive are applicable to real-world scenarios. It really is a fantastic opportunity aimed at the best and brightest with an interest in finance.”

More information

Further details on the programme and how to apply are available here: https://www.goldmansachs.com/careers/students/programs/emea/degree-apprentices.html

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Goldman Sachs Degree Apprenticeship Programme (2024)

• Posted on 14/02/2023

Goldman Sachs

This is an opportunity to earn a salary and degree while embarking on a career in financial services, operations and technology.

Get a head start on your career in Goldman Sachs while earning a degree.

The Goldman Sachs Degree Apprenticeships are four-year programmes for students pursuing an undergraduate degree from Queen Mary University of London or the London Institute of Banking and Finance. We offer three Degree Apprentice Programmes within FICC and Equities, Engineering and Operations.

As a FICC and Equities Degree Apprentice participant, you will:

• Complete an apprenticeship within Goldman Sachs FICC and Equities while studying for a degree in Applied Finance at Queen Mary University London
• Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Finance, with the potential opportunity of a full time position with the firm
• Learn about and contribute to FICC and Equities whilst completing relevant Financial qualifications. The placement within the firm will allow apprentices to apply academic skills to their day to day work

As an Engineering Degree Apprentice participant, you will:

• Complete an apprenticeship within Goldman Sachs Engineering while studying for a degree in Digital and Technology Solution at Queen Mary University London
• Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Digital and Technology Solutions, with the potential opportunity of a full time position with the firm
• Learn about new technologies and modern innovators, programming techniques and innovative software design. The placement within the firm will allow apprentices to apply academic skills to ongoing real time software and engineering assignments

As an Operations Degree Apprentice participant, you will:

• Complete an apprenticeship within Goldman Sachs Operations while studying for a degree in BSc Finance & Investment at the London Institute of Banking & Finance
• Graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Finance & Investment, with the potential opportunity of a full time position with the firm
• Learn about, and contribute to, Operations whilst completing relevant qualifications. The placement within the firm will allow apprentices to apply academic skills to their day to day work

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Sample cover letter for Full Time position at Goldman Sachs

I wish to apply for the role of“One year placement on investment management or on global investment research” currently being advertised on your sitewww.goldmansachs.com.

Driven by my ambition to embark on a career in an investment related field within a leading institution, I am applying for this particular program. As you can see from my attached CV, I have over 5 years of educationalexperience in the finance industry, and 6 months of a significant internship and I believe the knowledge and skills built up during this time make me the right candidate for the role.

I would be thrilled to work at your company which is highly ranked in the investment field. This is a clear indication of your world class reputation in training excellence and high quality services.Furthermore, the ability you provide for travelling, training and working all around the world on your global branches is very stimulating for me.

In my internship role in an accounting office, I developed my teamwork skills through cooperation with colleagues in company projects and I ameliorated my problem solving skills and my innovation in a fast-paced work environment. This coupled with my integrity and dedication presents my highly motivated character.

I am confident that I can bring this level of willingness to learn and succeed with me to your organisation. With my previous experience and expertise, I believe my contribution will have an immediate impact on the business.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further. 

Asset Management

Bringing together traditional and alternative investments, we provide clients around the world with a dedicated partnership and focus on long-term performance. As the firm’s primary investment area, we provide investment and advisory services for some of the world’s leading pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, financial advisors and individuals, for which we oversee more than $2 trillion in assets under supervision. Working in a culture that values integrity and transparency, you will be part of a diverse team that is passionate about our craft, our clients, and building sustainable success. We are:

• Investors , spanning traditional and alternative markets offering products and services
• Advisors , understanding our clients’ priorities and poised to help provide investment advice and strategies that make sense for their portfolios
• Thought Leaders , providing timely insights across macro and secular themes to help inform our clients’ investment decisions
• Innovators , using our suite of digital solutions to help our clients address complex challenges and meet their financial goals

As of March 31, 2021. Assets Under Supervision (AUS) includes assets under management and other client assets for which Goldman Sachs does not have full discretion.

Who We Look For

A career with Goldman Sachs Asset Management is an opportunity to help clients across the globe realize their potential, while you discover your own. As part of one of the world’s leading asset managers, you can expect to participate in exciting investment opportunities while collaborating with talented colleagues from all asset classes and regions, and building meaningful relationships with your clients. Working in a culture that values integrity and transparency, you will be part of a diverse team that is passionate about our craft, our clients, and building sustainable success. 

“Financial services is a dynamic and fast-moving field. I have had so many opportunities to add value within the industry, and know there will only be more room for technical proliferation in the future.”

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We Invest in Our People

We created Goldman Sachs University to help our people grow professionally – starting with their orientation and integration into the firm and continuing with ongoing development over the course of their careers.

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From ongoing feedback to diverse talent programs, we’re committed to empowering our people to drive their own development and expand their horizons.

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We emphasize an apprenticeship culture in which our junior team members learn by working closely with seasoned professionals. We believe this is critical to developing the next generation of Goldman Sachs leaders.

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