Supporting student success
Through the Goldman Sachs and Birkbeck Diversity Scholarship Programme, supported by Goldman Sachs Gives, 10 Black, Asian and minority ethnic undergraduate students are supported each year to foster greater diversity within the finance sector.
In addition to financial support, scholars access exclusive engagement opportunities, from mentoring with experienced senior leaders to events and development programmes, designed to help them succeed academically and professionally.
Introducing:
Dean Mohiuddin
Goldman Sachs scholar Dean Mohiuddin, who studied BSc Finance with Accounting, talks to us about what the scholarship meant to him.
Why did you choose to study at Birkbeck?
“It was important for me to mix with a diverse group of people on my course. I was able to chat with people who are already working in the industry I want to work in. You don’t get that opportunity in many other UK universities.
“The flexibility and freedom during the daytime was also key. I was lucky to have some internships in the financial sector, which I went to during the day and that wouldn’t have been possible without evening teaching.”
What did it mean for you to receive the Goldman Sachs scholarship?
"It was a brilliant opportunity in so many ways. It has contributed to my growth tremendously to be exposed to the leading investment bank in the world.
“I got the opportunity to attend career events, insight programmes and regularly meet with my mentor, Vania Joao (vice president of digital product management at Goldman Sachs).
“We had monthly meetings where we spoke about how investment banking works, what it looks like going into finance and making that move from university into the industry.
“The scholarship helped me with my living costs, but above all I will have an advantage in my career because of the connections I have made.”
Congratulations on achieving a first in your degree. What are your plans now and in the future?
“I have been accepted to study an MSc in Accounting, Organisations and Institutions at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
“I am excited to have achieved my academic target at Birkbeck and now I am working on getting myself ready professionally. I’m preparing for graduate roles and internships applications in the upcoming cycle.
“In the long term, I want to do something related to finance and I’m hoping I can get back into these companies I have worked with during my internships.”
What would be your advice to future Goldman Sachs scholars?
“Once you receive this award, don’t just think about the money. It’s nothing compared to what you can achieve with the networking and opportunities available to you."
Anna Skoglund, Partner at Goldman Sachs
Anna Skoglund, Partner at Goldman Sachs
Anna Skoglund, Partner at Goldman Sachs, said: “We are delighted to see Dean and all of our scholars succeed in meeting their goals.
"Their successes are a testament to the impact partnerships like the one we have with Birkbeck can have on students’ lives.
“We are committed to addressing the challenges impacting disadvantaged communities across diverse backgrounds in their pursuit of higher education and the finance sector.
“Goldman Sachs is a lifelong learning business, and this scholarship is a symbol of our commitment to gain more talent in the financial sector by creating accessible pathways to the field. We are excited to see how the scholars continue to thrive in this programme.”
Iain Drayton, Partner and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, said: “Through our work with Birkbeck, we are removing the financial barriers for those who would be otherwise may be excluded from higher-education and broadening the pool of potential talent.
"The Goldman Sachs and Birkbeck Diversity Scholarship provides recognition to diverse talent, but it also symbolises our commitment to creating a path to financial services regardless of background."
Iain Drayton, Partner and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs
Iain Drayton, Partner and Managing Director at Goldman Sachs
Current scholar Jessica Williams, studying LLB Law, said:
“The Goldman Sachs and Birkbeck Diversity Scholarship Programme has given me the opportunity to network with Goldman Sachs employees, which has helped keep me motivated during this academic year.
"I will now have a wider network when I leave university and more opportunities thanks to this scholarship. The networking events allow you to network with Black, Asian and minority ethnic professionals as well as other Black, Asian and minority ethnic students, which helps make the university journey feel like home.”
Built with Shorthand