A Morning with Goldman Sachs at Cornell Tech: Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

On a bright fall morning at Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island, Seeds of Fortune Scholars participated in an engaging interview preparation session hosted by professionals from Goldman Sachs. The event provided Scholars with practical insights into navigating the interview process, building confidence, and effectively communicating their personal stories.

Through mock interviews, feedback sessions, and candid career discussions, Scholars gained valuable experience directly from Goldman Sachs employees representing a range of divisions from Asset Management to Human Capital Management. Each professional shared not only their advice but also their personal journey within the firm, illustrating the many paths to success in finance and beyond.

Meet the Goldman Sachs Volunteers

Arpan K. Shah, Global Audit Director, Compliance and Legal Divisions, Arpan serves as the Global Audit Director for the Compliance and Legal Divisions at Goldman Sachs and as an observer on the Firmwide Financial Crime Compliance Committee. He is also a Managing Director ally of the LGBTQ+ Network. Previously, he served as Deputy Head of EMEA Internal Audit and Global Co-Head of Internal Audit for the Risk Division. Arpan joined Goldman Sachs in 2005 and was named Managing Director in 2015. Prior to joining the firm, he worked at several consulting and public accounting firms. Arpan holds a Master’s degree in Finance from the London Business School and an MBA in Finance and Leadership from the Indian School of Business. He is a qualified Chartered Accountant and certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer and Risk Management Auditor.

Catherine Peng, ETF Consultant, Asset Management Division, Catherine has worked in the asset and wealth management industry for nearly five years, with more than half of that time spent at Goldman Sachs. She began her studies in Beijing, China, focusing on International Trade and Economics before earning her Master’s degree in Behavioral Economics from Cornell University. Now an ETF Consultant within Asset Management, Catherine is passionate about helping clients improve financial literacy and make informed investment decisions. Outside of work, she enjoys playing badminton, hiking, and exploring nature.

Dipthi Murali, Vice President, Asset Management Division, Dipthi has over twelve years of experience with Goldman Sachs Asset Management, specializing in fixed income markets. She began her journey as an intern in the India office immediately after undergrad, entering the financial services industry with curiosity and determination. Dipthi enjoys working in the complex world of bonds and values the collaborative, intellectually challenging environment Goldman Sachs provides. Outside of work, she spends her time with her two-year-old daughter and remains closely connected with friends and family.

Cindy Li,Analyst, Asset Management Division, Cindy joined Goldman Sachs in 2024 after completing a successful summer internship with the firm. She graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics and Management. As an analyst in the Asset Management Division, Cindy focuses on portfolio analysis and client engagement. In her free time, she enjoys visiting boba shops, shopping, reading, drawing, and exploring new parks.

Dave M. D’Errico, Analyst, Human Capital Management Division, Dave is in his second year at Goldman Sachs, working on the Employee Special Investments team within Human Capital Management. Originally from Boston, he graduated college in 2024 with a degree in Finance and History before relocating to New York to begin his career. Dave spends much of his day in Excel and collaborating with investors, and he enjoys exploring the city, playing trivia, and supporting the New England Patriots on weekends.

Jiaqi Guo, Controllers, as a Software Engineer in the Financial Department at Goldman Sachs, she has been with the firm for five years, joining right after college. Her academic background includes a dual major in Mathematics and Statistics. She started her studies at a city college and then transferred to the University of California, Berkeley. She also gained practical experience as a Research Assistant and a Data Analyst. Essentially, she used her analytical and coding skills to develop and maintain complex software systems that are crucial for our financial operations. Outside of work, she enjoys doing Pilates and Yoga. These activities help her maintain a healthy work-life balance and contribute to her overall well-being.

Preparing for Success

Throughout the morning, Scholars participated in one-on-one interview practice and received personalized feedback from the Goldman Sachs volunteers. The sessions emphasized preparation, authenticity, and professional storytelling — key skills that help students present their experiences with clarity and confidence.

The event not only strengthened students’ interview readiness but also offered an inspiring look into career opportunities in finance, technology, and management. Seeds of Fortune is deeply grateful to the Goldman Sachs team for dedicating their time and expertise to support the next generation of emerging leaders.