Internship Spotlight: Nicolette Sciortino, Goldman Sachs

Nicolette Sciortino BSBA ‘23 (Management Information Systems) was a Summer Analyst at Goldman Sachs in Salt Lake City, Utah.

What was the process for getting this internship, job, or summer experience?

When I participated in the Eller Expo last fall, I had no idea about the incredible opportunities that would unfold for me that day. I walked in with the goal of getting the free headshot, and left with three coffee chats for three amazing companies, one of which was Goldman Sachs. During my discussion with the recruiter, I expressed my objectives and goals for a summer internship, and it appeared that the company's structure aligned exactly with what I was looking for. I felt like it was a perfect match! With ambition in mind, I went online and applied for the Summer Analyst position, and ended with a full time offer at the end of the program.

What was a typical day like?

I would wake up at around 6-6:30 in the morning, enjoy breakfast, and prepare for my workday. My airbnb just a 15-minute walk from the office, and the summer weather in Salt Lake City was incredible, so I chose to walk to work every morning. I typically arrived to the office any time between 7-7:30 am and stay until around 5 pm. The Business Intelligence team I was a part of did an exceptional job or organizing events that allowed us to connect with our managers and colleagues. Some of these gatherings included a pizza-making party, a Top Golf outing, and a barbeque which were all very fun. Regarding my work responsibilities, my team of interns and I were assigned three major projects to complete over the course of the internship. A typical day for me consisted of meetings with stakeholders, catch-up sessions, collaborative brainstorming with fellow interns, and independent learning. At the end of the internship, we were all required to present on our findings from our three projects. The intensity of the internship left me feeling a profound sense of accomplishment and a new passion for learning.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

The key takeaway from my experience was the Speaker Series organized by Human Capital Management (HCM) for all of the interns across the three main offices in New York, SLC, and Dallas. The speakers featured in this series were all seasoned employees of the firm, many of whom held high-ranking positions, including our CEO. Hearing their stories about how they all got their start in banking and the journey that led them to their current roles was incredible inspiring and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This left a profound impression on me and opened my eyes to the unmatched growth the firm provides for one's personal life but also career.

If you worked on a big project, please describe it below:

During the summer, I was a part of the Business Intelligence team within the Fees and Commissions division along with six other interns. Each of us were assigned three major projects to work on during the course of the internship, with one of these being a group project. While I cannot go into detail about the specifics due to confidentiality, I can share that in our preparation to these projects, all seven of us obtained certification in Alteryx, and perfected our skills in SQL and Tableau. We also underwent an intense training in a program known as Data School which was neat to see what I learn in my MIS courses applied to real life. 

What did you find most challenging?

The aspect that I found to be most challenging for me was adapting to a more rigorous schedule and a new level of time management. During the internship, there was hardly any room for breaks, aka when you are on the job you are fully immersed in what you are working on and the tasks assigned for that day. However, I would rather be busy than bored, and thoroughly enjoyed the fast pace once I got accustomed to it. Nonetheless, I would consider it a valuable challenge, almost like a business bootcamp.

What did you learn?

Through this experience, I gained a certain sense of clarity regarding aspirations for my future careers. I realized that a fast-paced and busy schedule fuels my passion for learning, but I also value a healthy work-life balance and maintaining hobbies that are important to me. While I was working, I joined a membership with CorePower yoga and tried to explore all of the beautiful nature on the weekends that Utah has to offer. 

What advice do you have for other students looking for a similar experience, or advice for future students to be successful?

I would recommend future students to prioritize honesty in their interviews and/or coffee chats, rather than simply aiming to secure a job. Staying true to your authentic self and remaining clear about your ultimate goals and who you are as a person says more about your character than a resume or cover letter. Finding that ideal match may take time, but it could also lead to unforgettable opportunities.

How did Eller prepare you for this experience?

I believe that every senior in Eller would agree with me when I say that the significance of the BCOM course, or business communications, you undertake first semester of Eller is the most helpful. This course equips you with the knowledge that will remain with you for your entire career. Collaborative teamwork, effective presentation skills, and independent research are all invaluable lessons you gain from this course, especially during the Case Competition. My advice is to not underestimate the impact of this course as it can pave the way to securing an internship or job.