Are you applying for internships or jobs and wondering what the day-to-day work actually looks like? Many students go through the application process without a clear understanding of what they’ll be doing in a role. That’s where Forage can be a valuable resource. Forage is a free online platform that offers virtual job simulations designed by top employers, allowing students to experience real world tasks in a low-pressure, self-paced environment. These programs help bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional work by giving you a preview of what different careers are actually like.
As a finance major at Nichols, I decided to explore Forage by completing a simulation focused on risk analysis with Goldman Sachs. The experience began by asking what I already knew about the company and what I hoped to gain from the program. This was a great way to set intentions and think about how the simulation could connect to my own career goals.
The program included two short videos from professionals at Goldman Sachs, along with brief short readings that helped me better understand risk, including an overview of what a credit risk analyst does. These videos and readings broke down complex concepts in a way that felt approachable, explaining how risk management plays a critical role in finance and how firms respond to uncertainty in the market. I also learned about different types of risk and how separate teams within the company focus on managing them.
One part I found especially interesting was how the simulation connected risk management to everyday life. Through simple scenarios, I was asked to identify potential risks and match them to the correct categories. This made the concept feel much more practical and easier to understand.
As the simulation progressed, the tasks became more interactive. I worked through exercises that required me to think like an analyst, making decisions based on client financial information. Using a risk calculator, I was able to see how factors like income, debt, savings, credit score, and payment history can impact overall risk levels. This helped me better understand how financial data is used to guide real investment decisions within Goldman Sachs.
Another valuable feature was the career guidance built into the program. It provided tips on what to highlight on a resume for this type of role and even offered sample language to describe the experience in an interview or on LinkedIn. This makes it especially helpful for students who are just starting to build their professional profiles.
Overall, my experience with Forage was both informative and practical. In less than an hour, I was able to gain insight into a potential career path, build relevant skills, and learn how to communicate that experience to future employers.
I would highly recommend Forage to other Nichols College students, especially those who are still exploring which area of their major they see themselves working in. It’s a simple, free, and effective way to gain real-world exposure and get a better sense of what you want to do by working through realistic tasks and exploring specific roles.
BY: Adriana Romona
