We all know that women—especially black women—are often underrepresented in a number of industries. From engineering to marketing to politics, it can often seem like we are one of the only of our kind in the room! It can be discouraging or even frustrating, but there are major organizations that are making it their business to help institute change. Goldman Sachs is one of the organizations making power moves for us women, emphasizing their efforts on the talents that are housed within the walls of historically black colleges and universities.
On Friday, October 30, the Hampton U chapter of Her Campus hosted a virtual meeting with a representative from Goldman Sachs where we talked about being a woman in the world of finance. If you don’t know, Goldman Sachs is one of the world’s most recognized global banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a surplus of financial services to a diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Proud supporters of gender equality, Goldman Sachs uplifts underrepresented communities including women and people of color through its initiatives.
When we talked to Goldman Sachs representative (and Howard University alum!), Ryan Jackson, she offered advice for graduates entering the workforce post-COVID, how to combat being a woman working in a male-dominated industry and what Goldman Sachs would be looking for in an ideal applicant. Not only did she drop gems related to these topics but shined a light on an amazing opportunity for first and second-year HBCU students.
Along with its gender equality initiative, Goldman Sachs also heavily supports making progress toward racial equity. This is an organization committed to providing opportunities for HBCU students and giving them the leverage they need to succeed within the financial services industry. Goldman Sachs is now accepting applications for their Market Madness: HBCU Possibilities Program. This is a semester-long virtual crash course in all things finance! Not only do participants get to learn all things finance, but they get the chance to gain exposure to senior leaders, build meaningful relationships with Goldman Sachs leaders, and develop technical and leadership skills. In addition, participants will finish with an extraordinary capstone project competition. Each participant in the program will receive a stipend and may have the opportunity to interview for the summer 2022 internship.
As you can see throughout their initiatives, Goldman Sachs truly cares about the advancement and professional development of underrepresented communities. By providing such a substantial opportunity for first and second-year students (who are rarely considered for internships and other opportunities) within this industry only further the long-term goal of increased representation and diversification of this industry.
If you are a first or second-year student interested in banking and finance, then apply! Click here to get more information on this incredible opportunity.