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2021 Goldman Sachs Intern Survey
Each year, our summer analysts and associates bring a fresh perspective to the firm, and we are keen to know how they view the world. We asked them to share their thoughts on everything from the impact of the pandemic to their views on cryptocurrency, how they use social media and whether they prefer milk that comes from a plant or an animal.
This year, 1.8k interns shared their perspectives, representing all of the regions in which the firm operates.
Class of 2021 By the Numbers
585 schools represented 85 languages spoken 53% women 5& LGBTQ+
Americas: 25% Asian 19% Hispanic/Latinx 17% Black
UK: 25% Black
Investing & Spending
While stocks are the most popular investment (59%), followed by exchange traded funds (27%) and cryptocurrencies (21%), 40% of our interns are not yet invested.
Their Views on Crypto: 34% believe cryptocurrency should be considered an asset class. 52% say they need to learn more before making a call.
How They Pay: 32% credit cards 31% debit cards 30% app on their phones 7% cash
Why and Where They Spend: When they spend, their decision is primarily driven by:
- Recommendations from friends and family: 83%
- Online ratings and reviews: 83%
- The brand’s values: 63%
- Influencers: 15%
Our interns prefer to shop in person (when possible) instead of online: 66% in person vs. 34% online
Pandemic Perspectives
Interns say that the pandemic has had/continues to have the most significant impact on their: Mental health: 63% Relationships: 53% Physical health: 47% Studies: 46%
In 2020, 75% said they believe that remote work and school will have a negative impact on their ability to foster relationships.
Because of the pandemic: 64% feel safe doing the same activities as they did before, with the proper measures (e.g., masks, vaccinations) in place. 36% are wary of going to places with big crowds such as concerts or sporting events
77% say that wearing masks will become more common globally as a method for preventing the spread of diseases such as the common cold
Future State
As of August, 59% predicted classes would be held in person, while 33% thought their college or university would take a hybrid approach. 8% expected to be fully remote.
Looking ahead, 45% predict climate change will have the most pronounced global impact over the next 10 years. Other top responses included: Artificial intelligence: 18% Pandemic: 10% Resource scarcity: 10% Widening wealth gap: 9% Geopolitical tensions: 8%
From a range of items once considered essential for modern life, our interns chose that the following are most likely to be obsolete in the next 10 years: Business cards: 64% Parking meters: 48% ATMs: 40% Cars with human drivers: 29% Movie theaters: 29% Printers: 27%
It’s My Life
First thing in the morning, our interns: Snooze their alarms: 30% Check the headlines: 17% Scroll on social media: 15% Exercise: 12% Eat breakfast: 12%
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Year after year, our interns see their lives taking a familiar course …
88% expect to get married/establish a formal relationship 83% expect to become a homeowner 60% expect to become pet parents Although of this year’s class, 57% expect to become a parent, down from 92% of our interns who were asked the same question in 2019.
Informed & Engaged
Information When our interns want the truth, most turn to: Digital news outlets, including news websites and apps: 76% Family and friends: 56% Traditional news outlets such as cable TV news shows and print media: 35% Social media and online forums: 28% _respondents could choose multiple answers_
While some of our interns (24%) love reboots of old TV shows and movies, the vast majority skip them and prefer the originals.
While the galaxies beyond may seem like the next frontier, most of our interns (85%) would still prefer to travel around the world than go to space (15%).
This or That
(85%) Book vs. e-Reader (15%) (66%) Iced beverage vs. hot beverage (34%) (72%) City vs. Suburb (28%) (54%) Animal milk vs. plant milk (36%) (57%) Board games vs. video games (43%)
