Daniela Bernal

What is your internship, and what are your basic duties?

As an Operations Summer Analyst in Asset and Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs, I actively contribute to daily processes that ensure data and pricing accuracy, directly impacting the precise valuation of client portfolios. I am also engaged in a strategic platform migration project, focused on optimizing workflow processes and enhancing overall operational efficiency. I also go on catch-ups to expand my network and to learn from top professionals in the industry!

How does this internship align with your interests and/or major?

My decision to major in mathematics wasn’t about choosing a single career path, but rather about building a versatile foundation. What truly excites me is solving complex problems and collaborating with smart, driven individuals. My internship has proven to be a great environment for this. The analytical and problem-solving skills gained through my math degree are applied here every day, whether I’m ensuring data accuracy for client portfolios or diving into a strategic platform migration project aimed at boosting efficiency. It’s incredibly rewarding to apply that rigorous, analytical mindset to real-world financial challenges.

What’s the best part of your internship?

The best part of my internship at Goldman Sachs is the vibrant, inclusive environment that genuinely embraces diverse perspectives. As someone from Colombia, I deeply value this aspect of the workplace. Working alongside a global workforce, with people from different backgrounds, enriches my daily experience and helps as a significant source of motivation. Goldman Sachs has a strong commitment to building and supporting a diverse and inclusive space that reflects the countries and cultures in which it operates, viewing diversity as critical to its success and integral to its business principle. It’s this blend of intellectual rigor, professional growth, and a truly diverse community that makes this internship resonate strongly with who I am and what I aspire to achieve.

What specific skills are you gaining?

I’ve gained communication skills, problem-solving skills, attention to detail and accuracy, data analysis, time management, and organization.

How do you see this internship leading to a career in your chosen field and aiding in your overall career development?

This internship has totally solidified that finance is where I want to start my career. I really love how dynamic this industry is, and that you’re always learning something new, which fits my desire to be constantly challenged and engaged, especially using the analytical and problem-solving skills I picked up from my math major. This experience has also made it super clear that I want to be part of a global industry where I can make a real impact around the world. Working at a global firm like Goldman Sachs, which really values different perspectives, gives me awesome chances to grow professionally and means my work can reach people all over the world.

How has this internship influenced your understanding of the industry or field you’re pursuing ?

My internship at Goldman Sachs has been a big eye-opener by showing me the incredible amount of teamwork and different functions that go into making investment banking work and delivering awesome products for clients. Before this, I didn’t fully get that it’s not just about the big deals you hear about, but about all these interconnected teams working seamlessly together. It’s a huge, collaborative effort across the whole firm, not just one department, and the firm emphasizes this interdepartmental teamwork to get things done and keep risks low. This experience also highlighted how important it is to make meaningful connections and build relationships in the financial world. Everyone at Goldman Sachs really emphasizes networking and building those ties, and I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is for learning, growing, and understanding the business better.

How has Lewis & Clark supported you in the process of finding and securing your internship?

The liberal arts education from Lewis & Clark allows you to get very close to faculty, and therefore the biggest personal impact came from Professor Sweta Suryanarayanan in the mathematical sciences department. She’s been a massive support system for me throughout college, and that continued right into my internship applications. Her positive, constructive advice and constant encouragement really pushed me to do my best, which made a huge difference.