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To be fair, I don’t think many would be able to work somewhere else for “tons of money more” than GS. I know that’s not exactly what you said, but I think that’s what you meant.
Also, with the regulatory environment in the financial services industry, I don’t think working at GS is the only path to making “tons of money more” from any reputable employer either anymore especially when you factor in cost of living.
In general, being successful is not just about the “brand name”. It takes research, commitment, and well thought out planning to be successful anywhere.</p>