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!
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.
