I know IB hours are tough everywhere, but I’m wondering if Goldman really is as intense as people say. Do analysts regularly pull all-nighters, or is it group-dependent? Any recent experiences would be helpful!
Goldman Sachs does carry the reputation of being one of the more intense places to work in investment banking, and that perception isn’t entirely unfounded. Analysts often face very long weeks, and depending on deal flow, all-nighters can happen.
However, it’s not a constant, every-week occurrence—it tends to be driven by specific deadlines or live deals. Much of the experience comes down to the group you join. Some industry or coverage groups have steadier hours, while high-profile teams with heavy deal activity can push you to the limit more often.
What you’ll find at Goldman is that expectations are very high, but so is the level of training and exposure.
Many analysts accept the hours because the learning curve is steep and the exit opportunities are strong. To manage it, people often lean on their teams for support, prioritize efficiency, and learn quickly to work smart. If you go in prepared for intensity, while also building small ways to manage stress and rest, you’ll be able to handle the hours and make the most of the experience.
Hi there,
Hours at Goldman can definitely be intense, but like at most banks, it really depends on your group, deal flow, and the time of year. Some teams do have heavy workloads where late nights and the occasional all-nighter are common, especially on live deals. Others are more balanced outside of peak periods. From recent candidates I’ve coached, the biggest difference isn’t necessarily total hours, but the pace and urgency. Things can move very fast, so being ready to react is key.
Hope that helps, and good luck with your prep!
Rita
Goldman Sachs definitely has a reputation for intensity, and in many groups, that’s still accurate. 80–100 hour weeks are common, and all-nighters do happen, especially during live deals. That said, it’s very group-dependent. Some product or coverage teams have more sustainable pacing, while others are more relentless.
The culture is high-performance and high-expectation, so analysts are often pushed hard, but you also get top-tier training, exposure, and exit ops. Just be prepared: work-life balance at GS IB is minimal, especially in your first year.
