Hear Senior Associate Mary talk about her career at PwC, what brought her there and discover her best advice to someone wishing to apply to this prestigious firm.
What was your career journey to PwC?
I decided to apply for a graduate role at PwC after completing the Women in Business (WiB) programme in the summer following my first year at university. Everyone I met during my WiB placement was friendly and the work was both interesting and challenging.
I was particularly drawn to Management Consulting because of the team-based an project nature of the work and the ability to work with a wide range of clients on a variety of business challenges.
Following my positive experiences on the Women in Business programme, the following summer I successfully completed the PwC summer internship in Management Consulting which fast-tracked me to the graduate scheme starting the following autumn.
What has it been like working at PwC so far?
I love it! I am able to come to work every day and be challenged and work with other smart and curious people.
I also love that we have so many resources to develop including online courses, training days and the option to complete professional qualifications. The firm really invests in its people’s professional and personal development, plus working in such a big firm, there is always a helpful colleague on hand to help or answer any queries!
I have also been able to get involved in other projects for instance, co-leading the firm’s Multicultural Business Network (MBN), which is an internal people network (similar to societies at university) that celebrates the multiculturalism of our UK Firm. We hold a variety of events a year including hosting Reggie Yates for a discussion about race in the workplace and an interactive workshop on personal branding. For me, MBN has been a great way for me to meet other people around the firm and improve my public speaking.
Any advice I have for current students?
My advice for current students is to be bold. And believe in yourself and your ability. You do not need to have all the answers or feel that you know everything about an industry before you apply. Instead do a reasonable amount of research but recognise the value in the intellectual curiosity and positive attitude you bring to the workplace. Also to make sure you make the most of your university experiences to be able to gain valuable transferable skills that you can demonstrate not only in your application process, but also apply to your work and personal life in general!
For more information and to apply to the PwC Women in Business programme, click here.