Fazal Associate, Global Control Operations division, Bangalore

The variety of training available to you is fantastic. Goldman Sachs University holds a good mix of sessions that include personal, professional and diversity-related classes that cater to every individual need.

Background

Having studied Business Management, joining Goldman Sachs was the ideal fit for me.

Back in 2004 there was a buzz in Bangalore regarding Goldman Sachs’ starting a branch office in India, so by the time I graduated in 2006, it was on the cusp of major expansion. In hindsight I guess I was at the right place at the right time.

My decision to join was, frankly, an easy one, as the firm’s reputation preceded itself and its position in the forefront of capital markets made it the place to be.

Starting Out at Goldman Sachs

My first day at Goldman Sachs was my first day in a professional work environment—that made the experience doubly exciting. In my orientation class I was the only new grad, while everyone else in the session were lateral hires with vast experience in the financial sector. The first impression I had of the firm was confirmed when during a group discussion my peers spoke passionately about the professionalism and conduct of the orientation program, which they had not experienced in their previous organizations. This left me with a feeling of achievement only an hour into my career!

Career Development

In Operations, the variety of training available to you is fantastic. Goldman Sachs University holds a good mix of sessions that include personal, professional and diversity-related classes that cater to every individual need—and this is over and above the ones deemed as mandatory! The tools available at GSU have put me on the forefront of most conversations and keep me up to date with the ever-evolving financial industry.

My career ambition is to cover a variety of business areas and groups during my tenure at Goldman Sachs. The organization allows for people to cross over to different areas of the firm, from Operations to Human Capital Management to Services and even to the business side, and acquiring this kind range of experiences is my ultimate career ambition.

Teamwork

Teamwork to me is a roundabout which goes a full circle for every individual in a group. Most processes here are team-oriented and it’s imperative to be able to work as a cohesive unit under challenging circumstances. In my current role, tasks are rolled over to members in the team constantly and it’s “the pick up and run with it” attitude which make a difference during crucial and time-sensitive moments.

Affinity Networks

I am a member of the Operations Women’s Network, which has been a proverbial eye-opener—not only has it helped me recognize issues faced by women in the workplace, but it also provides tips on how to navigate the organization as a whole.

I believe affinity networks are always a good starting point toward identifying new areas of interest and add a different dimension to your thought process. It invariably provides new perspective and greater “cultural acceptance” of life around you.