Software Engineer Review
at Goldman Sachs Group
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.4/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I work as a Software Engineer. Day-to-day I work on various software projects that directly contribute to the work of my team and take part in regular meetings. I am responsible for the delivery of multiple project within my team and have regular touchpoints with my manager and stakeholders for these projects. I get to work on enterprise-scale systems using modern industry standard tools and technologies. I also contribute to code reviews and both give and receive mentorship to/from more junior/senior colleagues.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I very much enjoy the programme. I have received exposure to opportunities that have enabled me to massively grow my skillsets and develop personally. Being able to work on real world projects with a clear purpose alongside industry experts has been extremely rewarding. I feel that I have learned a lot more, not just technically but also holistically, than if I had taken a traditional further education route. There is also a strong apprentice community, both within my cohort, and within the firm that offers social opportunities
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have significantly developed my soft skills, engaging effectively with stakeholders and building my network around the firm. Particularly I have had numerous opportunities to present my work to large audiences through the programme. If I were not on the programme I wouldn't have had these opportunities to push myself outside my comfort zone and develop my presentation skills. I have also developed my technical skills massively through exposure to real world projects from day one that allowed me to go far beyond what I had been exposed to as a hobbyist programmer.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The programme is generally well structured, though has been subject to some changes throughout the time that I have been an apprentice. The employer is understanding of the demands on us as university students and works well to accomodate exams & coursework. There is a clear structure as to when we are at university versus at work which helps with time management.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a lot of support from my employer. As mentioned there are robust accomodations for exams & coursework. Throughout my experience of the programme my managers and team members have been immensely supportive of and invested in my development. They have given me exposure to new technologies, bolstered my exposure to senior stakeholders, and ensured that my work and opportunities were aligned to both my interests and the requirements of the apprenticeship specification. Through interaction with senior technologists and programme sponsorship there are many opportunities to learn about technologies used at the firm from industry experts with huge amounts of experience - the community of senior technologists is really supportive of the programme.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
Lecture content is linked to the requirements of the qualification. Content is generally helpful and provides a good theoretical baselines to both computer science and more business-focused topics. I have enjoyed a number of the modules I have had. The university's team is receptive to our feedback and we can see where it has been actioned.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Theoretical underpinnings are useful to understand the background of what I am doing at work. I have been in meetings with domain experts where content I have learnt at university has allowed me to understand what was being said and contribute. Business modules have given some broader context to my work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Yes. There are a number of professional networks, sports teams, etc available. There is also an apprentice group that organises social and networking events for apprentices and maintains a regular calendar of events. Apprentices are exposed to all professional networks and activities within Engineering. I have had the opportunity to attend a number of internal conferences through these.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Goldman Sachs Group to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The learning opportunities on the job are incredible as you get to learn from industry experts who have been working in their respective areas for a very long time. Managers and teams are very supportive of apprentices. The programme is very established within the firm so there is a strong community of apprentices spanning back to the first cohort. Everyone is invested in your development and giving you the opportunity to succeed. Speaking personally, I know that I have learnt a lot more than I would have done just attending university and that this will benefit me for my career.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Goldman Sachs Group?
An enthusiam for software engineering and learning is more important than having loads of previous experience. Specific languages, frameworks, etc can be taught, enthusiasm and a mindset for professional growth cannot be taught so easily. Understand what you want to get out of an apprenticeship and the firm.
