As the world learns a new definition of normal, students are navigating an unprecedented higher education environment, including a shift to all online classes and altered internship programs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ayco, working in unison with Goldman Sachs, has updated the summer internship program to provide flexibility and allow this year’s interns to receive a meaningful experience, despite the circumstances. As part of the changes, the 2020 internship program will be condensed into five weeks from the normal 10-week program.
“In spite of the circumstances, we want our interns to gain just as much from this program as their predecessors. We’re committed to finding ways to deliver the high-quality education and experience an Ayco or Goldman Sachs internship is known for,” says Larry Restieri, President and CEO of Ayco and a Partner of Goldman Sachs.
Close collaboration firmwide
This year’s program will showcase a new level of internal collaboration. Goldman Sachs will host virtual townhall meetings specifically for interns, including those employed by Ayco. The intern experience in Ayco’s regional offices will come together more cohesively, ensuring interns in different areas of the country will be able to interact and learn from each other.
The virtual nature of the program will provide interns more opportunities to interact with the broader firm and increased access to executives—specifically through the institution of “office hours.” During these designated times, executives will be available for one-on-one conversations with interns on various aspects of the firm, which doubles as an opportunity for interns to receive invaluable experience in business meeting etiquette.
Mentorships
Another new aspect of this year’s program is the assignment of mentors. Interns will be matched with a mentor who works in their department and, where possible, is an alum of the intern’s college or university.
The mentors are meant to provide guidance as needed and act as an extension of the interns’ support system throughout the program.
2020 internship logistics
Program changes, along with the condensed timeframe, have heavily influenced the scheduled activities for interns. There will be an increased focus on developing personal business skills and interns will get the chance to explore the firm’s function as a whole, the concept of branding (including their own, personal brands), networking opportunities, diversity and inclusion and philanthropy and volunteer work at the corporate level.
The firm has been working diligently to develop ways to assess interns on integrity, decision-making, drive, intellectual ability and more, in a virtual setting. “This new format does not change our goals for the internship program, and in some ways the program has been enhanced,” says Sheri Lyons, SVP, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief of Staff. “We look forward to welcoming and evaluating the next generations of leaders at our firm.”
To learn more about Ayco’s internship program, visit our Careers page.
