Navigating the High-Stakes Interview Process for Wall Street Summer Internships

The Marathon Begins

The highly competitive interview process for securing a summer internship on Wall Street, particularly at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and Jefferies, has officially kicked off. This grueling final round of interviews, often referred to as "superdays," is an intense and transformative experience for aspiring investment bankers. Superdays are the culmination of a long recruiting process that includes formal applications, networking with bankers, and initial assessments or interviews, such as HireVue video interviews.

During these superdays, students typically participate in back-to-back interviews with multiple bankers from the firm they are applying to. While some firms still fly candidates out to their headquarters, many interviews this year, including those at Goldman Sachs, are being conducted virtually via Zoom. The stakes are high, as these interviews often determine whether a candidate lands one of the highly sought-after internships.

Eric Jordan, a Goldman Sachs partner and global co-head of investment grade capital markets and derivatives, has been actively involved in the firm’s campus recruiting strategy for years. He emphasizes that Goldman is looking for individuals who can grow into "athletes" in the financial industry—those who can think critically, solve problems, and stand out in a crowd. With tens of thousands of applicants vying for a limited number of spots, the competition is fierce, and only a fraction of candidates make the cut.

Prepare for All Kinds of Questions

While many students prepare for these high-pressure interviews by studying guides or seeking advice on forums like Wall Street Oasis, Jordan cautions against relying solely on memorized answers. The ever-changing nature of the finance industry means no single list of questions can fully prepare a candidate for what they might encounter during a superday.

Instead, Jordan focuses on assessing how applicants think and solve problems. He believes the interview should be a conversation that reveals a candidate’s thought process, creativity, and ability to work collaboratively. While some teams at Goldman may ask more technical questions—particularly in highly specialized areas like derivatives—the overall emphasis is on understanding a candidate’s genuine interest in the firm and their ability to contribute meaningfully to its success.

Jordan discourages his teams from asking overly formulaic finance questions, such as "walk me through a DCF analysis," in favor of more open-ended discussions. He advises candidates to focus on understanding Goldman’s role in the industry, why they are drawn to the firm, and how their past experiences demonstrate a legitimate interest in finance or related fields.

Have a "Hook"

In a competitive field where applicants often boast impressive grades, participation in finance clubs, and access to a wealth of information, standing out can be a challenge. Jordan stresses the importance of identifying a personal "hook"—a unique quality or story that sets a candidate apart and leaves a lasting impression on interviewers.

This hook could be anything from a non-finance hobby, such as being an accomplished ballet dancer or an entrepreneur who makes dehydrated fruit, to a demonstrated trait like intellectual curiosity or attention to detail. The key is to connect this personal attribute to the qualities that make a successful banker—traits like drive, teamwork, and creativity.

For example, student athletes often excel in the recruiting process because their experiences demonstrate discipline, resilience, and the ability to work under pressure—qualities that are highly valued in investment banking. Candidates who are not athletes should reflect on what makes them unique and how those qualities align with the demands of the job.

Manage Your Anxiety

The pressure to perform during a superday can be overwhelming. Jordan acknowledges that these interviews are some of the most pivotal moments in a student’s career, as they often determine whether they secure a full-time job offer after graduation. At Goldman, candidates typically face multiple rounds of interviews with senior bankers, including associates, vice presidents, and managing directors.

Managing anxiety is crucial, as it is a litmus test for how well a candidate can handle the high-pressure environment of investment banking. Interviewers are not looking for perfection; they want to see how candidates think on their feet and maintain their composure under stress. Jordan advises students to strike a balance between being relaxed and professional, avoiding the temptation to come across as overly casual.

Ultimately, the goal is to be oneself while showcasing the qualities that make them an excellent fit for the firm. As Jordan puts it, "You want the person that interviews you to walk away saying, I’d like this person on my team. I’d like to sit next to this person."

Be Consistent

Consistency is key throughout the superday process. After the interviews, the bankers who conducted them will compare notes and assess candidates based on how well they align with the firm’s values and expectations. Jordan explains that Goldman’s teams strive to evaluate candidates in a fair and consistent manner, asking similar questions across interviews to ensure a level playing field.

Candidates should aim to convey the same message and express the same qualities in every interaction. Jordan recalls that when he helps make final decisions on internship offers, the team focuses on whether candidates delivered a cohesive narrative and whether their answers were aligned across different interviews. This means being prepared to articulate one’s "hook" and professional goals clearly and authentically in every conversation.

The Path to Landing a Coveted Internship

Securing a summer internship at Goldman Sachs or any other top Wall Street firm is no easy feat, but it is within reach for those who approach the process with the right mindset. By identifying their unique strengths, preparing thoughtfully for interviews, and staying calm under pressure, candidates can position themselves as standout applicants.

As Jordan makes clear, the superday process is not just about impressing interviewers with technical knowledge—it’s about showing that you are the kind of person who can thrive in a demanding, innovative, and collaborative environment. For many, this internship is the first step toward a fulfilling career in investment banking, and the skills learned during this process will serve as the foundation for future success.

In the end, landing a spot at a firm like Goldman Sachs requires more than just a polished resume or a high GPA. It demands a winning combination of intelligence, passion, creativity, and the ability to tell a compelling story that resonates with interviewers. Aspiring bankers who can master this balance are one step closer to joining the ranks of Wall Street’s elite.