Interviewing at Goldman Sachs for a summer internship was an exciting and enriching experience. The process was conducted entirely online in late November, comprising multiple stages designed to test both technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Here’s a breakdown of the journey, from the initial tests to the final interviews.
Pre-Interview Process
The initial step was a two-hour online test, which evaluated logical reasoning, situational analysis, and English language proficiency. Following this, a technical test was conducted, focusing on coursework and technical knowledge. Candidates who successfully cleared these tests were invited to the interview rounds.
Round 1: Technical and Behavioral
The first interview was conducted via Zoom. After joining a common waiting room, candidates were randomly called into individual interview sessions.
Key Details:
- Introduction: The interviewer introduced himself and asked for a brief self-introduction. We also reviewed my resume, focusing on the projects I had worked on.
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): I was asked to explain OOP principles and code an example of encapsulation using a car-related scenario in C++.
- Data Structures and Algorithms (DSA): The interviewer presented the coin change problem and asked for an optimized solution using dynamic programming. After sharing my approach, we discussed alternative solutions and their complexities.
After the interview, I was sent back to the common waiting room. The decision to progress to the next round was communicated via email later.
Round 2: Advanced Technical
Shortlisted candidates were invited to the second round the next day. Like before, communication and the interview were handled through Zoom.
Key Details:
- DSA Focus: The round was entirely DSA-based. I was given two problems related to arrays and strings. The task was to write optimized code and explain my approach in detail.
- Resume Discussion: We delved deeper into my resume, discussing my past projects and their practical applications.
After this round, candidates were moved to a post-interview waiting room. Final results, including progression to the HR round or the end of the process, were shared later.
Conclusion
The Goldman Sachs interview process was both challenging and rewarding. It tested my technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to an online format. Regardless of the outcome, the experience was incredibly enriching and provided valuable insights into technical and professional growth.