Goldman’s interns really don’t want AI to touch one part of their lives

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-28T14:56:12.036Z • Permanent link

Goldman Sachs' 11th annual intern survey has revealed some intriguing insights into the future use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) among its young recruits. The survey, which gathered data from over 2,000 interns across the globe, offers a glimpse into the preferences and perceptions of the next generation of Wall Street leaders. Notably, the survey found that 72% of Goldman Sachs' interns are skeptical about the use of AI in their daily work, citing concerns about job security and the potential for automation. For instance, 62% of respondents expressed apprehension about AI-powered trading systems, while 55% were uneasy about AI-driven decision-making processes. These findings suggest that even among the most tech-savvy and forward-thinking interns, there are still significant concerns about the impact of AI on their profession.

One individual who has been vocal about the need for more human oversight in AI decision-making is Robert Kapito, Co-Founder of BlackRock, a leading asset management firm. In a recent interview, Kapito emphasized the importance of human judgment in investment decisions, stating that AI should be used as a tool to augment human capabilities, rather than replace them. Kapito's comments echo the sentiments of many experts, who argue that while AI has the potential to revolutionize various industries, it is essential to strike a balance between technological advancements and human intuition. Goldman Sachs' survey findings highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to AI adoption, one that takes into account the concerns and perspectives of both technologists and end-users.

The survey also revealed that 45% of Goldman Sachs' interns are interested in exploring the potential of AI in areas such as data analysis and visualization, while 32% are curious about the use of AI in machine learning and natural language processing. These findings suggest that while there may be concerns about job security, many young professionals are eager to harness the power of AI to drive innovation and growth in their respective fields. Notably, the survey found that 60% of respondents believed that AI will have a positive impact on the financial industry, with 55% expecting increased efficiency and productivity.

The implications of Goldman Sachs' survey findings extend far beyond the walls of the investment bank. For companies such as Goldman Sachs, the survey results have significant implications for their recruitment strategies and training programs. As the financial industry continues to grapple with the challenges of AI adoption, companies must prioritize the development of skills that complement technological advancements, rather than simply focusing on automation. Research communities, policymakers, and industry leaders must also take note of the survey's findings, as they seek to develop more effective strategies for promoting responsible AI development and deployment.

Furthermore, the survey highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in AI decision-making processes. As AI-powered systems become increasingly pervasive, it is essential that we develop more robust frameworks for evaluating the accuracy and fairness of AI-driven decisions. This requires a concerted effort from regulators, technologists, and end-users to develop more effective standards and guidelines for AI development and deployment. Companies such as Goldman Sachs, which have a history of innovation and risk-taking, must take a leading role in shaping this conversation and promoting more responsible AI practices.

The findings of Goldman Sachs' survey are part of a broader trend in the financial industry, where companies are grappling with the challenges of AI adoption. In recent years, several major investment banks, including JPMorgan Chase and Citigroup, have launched initiatives aimed at harnessing the power of AI to drive innovation and growth. However, these efforts have been met with skepticism by some, who argue that AI adoption is premature and that the industry is rushing headlong into an untested technology.