Who are the Smarter Employees: Goldman Sachs or Google?
Comparing the intelligence of employees at Goldman Sachs and Google involves subjective judgments and can vary widely based on numerous factors, including individual roles, educational backgrounds, and personal skills. This article delves into the factors that contribute to the intelligence of employees in both companies, focusing on educational backgrounds, skill sets, and work environments.
Educational Background
Both Goldman Sachs and Google tend to hire from top universities, but their preferences in sought-after skill sets differ. Goldman Sachs often looks for strong analytical skills and backgrounds in finance, economics, or quantitative fields. On the other hand, Google seeks out candidates with expertise in computer science, engineering, and innovative thinking.
Skill Sets
Employees at Goldman Sachs may excel in financial analysis, risk management, and client relations. In contrast, Google employees are more focused on software development, data analysis, and creative problem-solving. Financial wizards like investment bankers are experts in money markets and the "larger picture," while engineers, particularly those involved in technological innovation, are essential but not carrying as much responsibility as a portfolio manager.
Work Environment
The cultures at both companies differ significantly. Goldman Sachs is known for a high-pressure, competitive environment, especially in finance. Google, on the other hand, promotes creativity and innovation in tech development. These contrasting environments shape the skill sets and mindsets of employees in each organization.
Empirical Observations and Personal Opinions
The author mentions a book profiling young Goldman Sachs employees and their working environment, which they describe as detrimental but perhaps understandable given the employees' educational backgrounds. For Google, no such account exists, leading the author to believe that working there is a rational choice.
The author humorously compares the question to asking, "Who are the smarter students: those in Slytherin or those in Ravenclaw?" Emphasizing personal bias, the author believes both organizations excel in diversity and competence, with competitive hiring processes making it difficult to determine absolute intelligence.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both Goldman Sachs and Google are home to highly intelligent and capable individuals. While Goldman Sachs may excel in financial wizardry, Google's focus on innovation and technology has a broader impact on society. The author considers the latter knowledge to be more indicative of intelligence than the former, suggesting a preference for those who seek to make a significant impact on the world.
Both organizations value intelligence in different ways, with Goldman Sachs focusing on quick buck-making and Google on the well-being of the layman. As such, whether one is smarter may depend on individual values and goals, rather than a static comparison of workforce intelligence.