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Goldman Sachs’ “Coffee Culture”: How Interns Connect and Thrive ☕

Sarah Johnson

 

Goldman Sachs has coined the term “coffee culture”—the unspoken norm that summer interns are encouraged to invite full-timers, right up to senior bankers, for casual coffee chats. This is more than just caffeine; it's a built-in networking tool to build relationships and cultural fit within the firm 

1. Intern Numbers & Competition

  • In summer 2025, Goldman welcomed about 2,600 interns globally, from a staggering 360,000+ applications, putting the acceptance rate at an ultra-competitive 0.7% 

  • While cracking this internship greatly improves chances for a full-time job, securing a graduation offer isn’t automated—making strong connections matters .

2. Purpose of the Coffee Runs

  • VP Shane Cote explains these coffee meetings help develop communication skills, emotional intelligence, and cultural resonance—all key to a successful career at Goldman 

  • Interns are encouraged to step away from their desks, use shared spaces like cafes on the 3rd, 5th, and 11th floors of the Manhattan headquarters, and actively network 

3. Real Stories, Real Impact

  • Sales & Trading associate Anna Kouba, a 2019 intern, shared how a senior banker from her Midwest background invited her for coffee to check in—a small moment that made her feel welcomed and grounded 

  • These one-on-one conversations go beyond business: they help new interns find community and belonging.

4. Harden Your Soft Skills

  • Cote underscores that technical talent isn’t enough. He advises interns to raise their hands, connect widely, and dialogue openly with mentors and leadership 

  • Interns who deliver quality work, stick to deadlines, and show dependability tend to stand out .

Why This Matters

  • The “coffee culture” reinforces that success at Goldman isn’t just about analytical skills—it’s also about who knows you and how you engage within the firm.

  • In a program with a sub‑1% acceptance rate, internship performance and proactive networking provide a path to full-time offers.

  • Intentional relationship-building across hierarchies can open doors, normalize feedback, and build confidence early in one’s career.

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