Ariel Analyst, Benefits and Wellness Human Capital Management division, New York

It is critical to be your best advocate and to take ownership of driving your career.

Background

I graduated with a BS in Human Development from Cornell University, and am currently pursuing an MBA part-time at New York University Stern School of Business.

Starting Out at Goldman Sachs

When I joined the firm, I participated in the Full-Time Analyst/Associate Orientation with more than two hundred and fifty attendees. I recognized that the firm was dedicated to ensuring its new hires felt welcomed through hosting extensive training and networking events. I was impressed with the public speaking skills of the orientation presenters and with the accomplishments of my peers who were also embarking on their careers at Goldman Sachs.

Working in Human Capital Management

In my role in the firm’s Human Capital Management (HCM) Division on the Reward team in Executive Benefits, I manage a diverse array of specialized benefits available to executives. I assist with vendor management, communication strategy and development, program development and regulatory filing completion. I collaborate with colleagues in Legal and Technology and also with regional benefit teams in London, Bangalore, Hong Kong and Tokyo to ensure the needs of executives are met from a global perspective. I leverage both internal and external contacts to research executive inquiries, which can range in topic from health insurance to philanthropic ventures.

I am currently preparing for the annual healthcare enrollment launch through coordinating various communications that highlight critical information. My group continually works to enhance this process and this year implemented an online component for our retired population.

What I enjoy most about my role is my exposure to a broad range of individuals at the firm and also that I am continuously learning about the benefit space, and how new laws and regulations may affect my clients.

Challenges

The most challenging part of my job is multi-tasking immediate assignments alongside short-term projects and long-term initiatives. To be efficient and not lose track of many moving pieces, it is crucial for me to stay extremely organized.

Rewards

A rewarding part of my job is having the opportunity to make valuable contributions to others. I have spearheaded educational training sessions for executive assistants, providing them with information and resources to better support the executives they work with. It is also rewarding to work for a firm that is dedicated to providing its employees with growth opportunities. I have further developed my public speaking skills at the firm and have presented to audiences as large as three hundred.

Success

A career in the financial services industry is both challenging and rewarding. To be successful you need to be ambitious, collaborative, proactive, resilient and willing to work outside of your comfort zone. It is critical to be your best advocate and to take ownership of driving your career. Working in a fast-paced and demanding environment can be overwhelming, but it also provides invaluable personal and professional developmental opportunities.

Volunteering

There are a broad range of opportunities available at the firm to meet the interests of its diverse population. On an annual basis I serve as a team captain for Community TeamWorks and have also mentored students who appreciate additional support with schoolwork.