Elevator Pitch for Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs Good morning, Thank you for this opportunity to discuss why I am the ideal candidate for the position of Investment Banker at Goldman Sachs. My name is SARUN M S, and I am incredibly excited about the possibility of joining your esteemed team. Allow me to elaborate on why selecting me would be a strategic decision for Goldman Sachs. First and foremost, my background in finance, coupled with my experience, uniquely positions me to excel in the fast-paced world of investment banking. With 5 years of experience in the financial sector, I have developed a keen understanding of market trends, financial analysis, and investment strategies. This expertise will enable me to hit the ground running at Goldman Sachs, contributing to the success of both the firm and its clients. Furthermore, I am deeply passionate about the world of finance and thrive in environments where complex financial challenges are tackled head-on. Goldman Sachs is renowned for its innovative approach to investment banking, and I am eager to be a part of a team that consistently pushes the boundaries of what's possible. My track record of delivering strategic financial solutions and my ability to navigate intricate financial landscapes make me a valuable asset to Goldman Sachs as it continues to lead the way in the investment banking industry. Moreover, my strong analytical skills and attention to detail have been instrumental in driving success in my previous roles. Whether it's conducting in-depth financial analysis, structuring complex deals, or advising clients on investment opportunities, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to deliver results with precision and accuracy. I am confident that my analytical prowess will enable me to add significant value to the investment banking team at Goldman Sachs, contributing to the firm's reputation for excellence and integrity. In addition to my technical skills, I possess strong interpersonal abilities that enable me to build and maintain relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders at all levels. I understand the importance of collaboration and effective communication in the world of investment banking, and I am committed to fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect at Goldman Sachs. By leveraging my interpersonal skills, I am confident that I can contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. Lastly, I am deeply committed to personal and professional growth and actively seek out opportunities to expand my knowledge and skill set. Goldman Sachs is known for its commitment to developing talent, and I am excited about the prospect of furthering my career with a firm that prioritizes continuous learning and development. I am eager to embrace new challenges and push myself to reach new heights in my career, and I believe that Goldman Sachs is the perfect place for me to do so. In conclusion, I am confident that my combination of experience, passion, and drive make me a strong candidate for the position of Investment Banker at Goldman Sachs. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the firm's success and help drive positive change in the world of investment banking. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the possibility of working together to achieve great things at Goldman Sachs. Frequently Asked Questions For Interviews 1. Tell me a little about yourself. Certainly! I'm someone who's always been fascinated by the world of business and the endless possibilities it offers. With a background in trading and investing, I've spent the past 5 years immersing myself in various aspects of finance, from analyzing market trends to building strong relationships with clients. Outside of work, you'll often find me exploring new places, hitting the gym, or losing myself in a captivating book. 2. What are your biggest weaknesses? One aspect of myself that I'm always working on is my tendency to be a perfectionist. While this trait drives me to aim for excellence and continuously elevate my standards, I've come to understand the importance of finding a balance and acknowledging my accomplishments without relentlessly pursuing perfection. I've realized that striving for perfection can sometimes hinder progress and lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, I focus on setting realistic goals and celebrating milestones along the way. By embracing a mindset of continuous improvement rather than perfection, I'm able to maintain a healthier perspective and enjoy the journey towards my goals. 3. What are your biggest strengths? One of my greatest strengths is my ability to adapt to diverse situations and thrive under pressure. I excel in dynamic environments where quick thinking and decisive action are required. 4. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I envision myself leading a billion-dollar hedge fund. It's a goal I'm committed to achieving through hard work, dedication, and strategic decision-making. It's an exciting prospect, and I'm determined to make it a reality. Whether it's spearheading innovative initiatives or mentoring the next generation, I'm committed to making a lasting impact on the industry. 5. What do you consider to be your biggest professional achievement? One of my proudest professional achievements has been my transformation from a typical middle-class individual with no clear direction or plans for the future into an ambitious person with grand aspirations and the drive to achieve them. I've worked hard to turn my dreams into tangible goals and have been steadily ticking them off, one by one. It's incredibly rewarding to see the progress I've made and to know that I'm actively shaping my own future. 6. Tell me about the toughest decision you had to make in the last six months. The toughest decision I've faced in the last six months was whether to quit my MBA and fully focus on my business. Lately, I've been seeing significant returns from my various business ventures, just by putting in 4 to 5 hours a day. This got me thinking about what I could achieve if I dedicated 12 to 18 hours daily to my businesses. My dreams are big, and going all-in on my business could really accelerate my journey toward them. However, my parents weren't on board. They're still stuck in the mindset of pursuing a degree and a job, the typical middle-class route. We had some heated discussions about it, but in the end, I decided to stick with my MBA for now. I realized that this period of campus life won't come again, and after the MBA, I'll be fully immersed in chasing my dreams without much time for anything else. Plus, my parents promised me complete freedom after I finish my MBA. This freedom will be invaluable in the long run, and maintaining a good relationship with them is important to me. So, for now, I'll make the most of my time here, knowing that I have exciting challenges waiting for me once I step out of this campus bubble. 7. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a decision. What did you do? There was a time when I had a different viewpoint from my parents regarding my career path. They favored me taking up a government job, while I leaned towards entrepreneurship. Rather than just nodding along with their preference, I respectfully expressed my reservations and outlined the downsides of opting for a government job. Initially, they weren't entirely on board with my perspective. However, within just a few months, I managed to demonstrate tangible results, which gradually persuaded them to support my desire for a more adventurous and fulfilling lifestyle, rather than being stuck in the monotony of office work. 8. What do you like to do outside of work? Outside of work, I find joy in various activities that recharge my batteries and add balance to my life as an ambivert. I indulge in reading, playing chess, hitting the gym, and exploring new destinations. Whether it's partying until the early hours with my friends or losing myself in the pages of a captivating book all day long, each pursuit contributes to my overall well-being and keeps me energized. 9. Tell Me About a Time You Failed. Sure, let me tell you about a time I failed, and how it ultimately shaped me for the better. Early on in my entrepreneurial journey, I ventured into the trading profession with just the pocket money my parents provided. At that time, I lacked clear goals or plans for the future and was just an average middle-class individual. However, my experience in trading was far from smooth sailing. I encountered failure after failure, losing my entire trading capital more than a dozen times. Each setback forced me to wait for months to save up enough money to try again, only to face further losses. The fifth time I failed was particularly crushing, as I lost everything I had saved up. It was a low point emotionally and financially, and I took a break from trading for nearly three months. But I didn't let that failure define me. I picked myself up, dusted off the disappointment, and returned to trading armed with the lessons learned from my mistakes. Today, I'm proud to say that I've turned things around. I'm earning a decent sum from my businesses, and I've embraced a new outlook on life filled with ambition and financial freedom. This experience taught me resilience and the importance of bouncing back from adversity. It showed me that failure is not the end but rather an opportunity for growth and improvement. It's through facing and overcoming challenges like these that I've become the determined and resilient individual I am today. 10. Tell me how you think other people would describe you. Others would likely describe me as an ambitious individual with grand aspirations, someone who isn't afraid to think differently and break free from conventions. They might compare me to an eagle, soaring through the skies with unwavering determination. Even in challenging situations, I have a knack for finding the silver lining and maintaining a positive outlook. I'm seen as resilient, always bouncing back from setbacks and pushing forward relentlessly. While I possess kindness, I'm not necessarily a "nice guy" in the traditional sense—I prioritize my goals over seeking approval from everyone. I'm both sociable and introspective, striking a balance between engaging with others and taking time for quiet reflection. As a friend, I'm known for my loyalty and unwavering support, standing by others through thick and thin. Despite any achievements, I remain grounded and humble, yet driven by a strong sense of ambition. I see myself as a visionary, believing fervently that anything is possible with dedication and hard work. A strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence define my approach to everything I do.