What does The New Equation mean to you personally?
To me, it's important that everyone, and especially impactful companies, take their social responsibility. I think it's great that PwC is trying to contribute to this by raising awareness and helping companies become more sustainable. I myself contribute to sustainable progress by cycling to work and eating less meat, fish and dairy products. I also think it's important that I work for an employer who sees sustainability as a high priority.
“I think it's important that I work for an employer who sees sustainability as a high priority.”
How did you end up at PwC and what exactly do you do?
I've always seen PwC as a potential employer. Unfortunately, there were no vacancies available due to COVID-19 in the year I graduated. I was approached by PwC in my previous job, and that set the ball rolling! I work as a Risk Consultant in the financial sector, where I focus on non-financial risks. And I'm also a business manager for one of our partners. This means that I support him with risk-related tasks.
Why did you choose this job?
I already really liked Consultancy during my studies. As a student, I worked at De Kleine Consultant, where we provided strategic advice to start-ups, NGOs and foundations. After graduation, I joined a consultancy firm that focused mainly on the implementation of advice. However, I was looking for a balance between purely strategic advice and execution, so Consultancy at PwC really appealed to me.
What is your educational background?
I did a bachelor's in Business Administration and a master's in Strategy and Organisation, both at the VU Amsterdam.
What does a typical working day look like?
I often start the day running through the day's to-dos with a colleague and discussing any questions for the project. I then check my mailbox and make a to-do list for the day/week. And then I get to work on project activities. Luckily, there's a lot of variation. Sometimes I'm setting up a risk framework and other times I'm working the EBA's guidelines into a policy for a bank. When I am at the office, I enjoy having lunch with colleagues in the canteen. When I'm working from home I often go for a walk on my own or with friends living nearby during lunchtime. In the afternoon, I get back to work for clients or on internal projects/proposals that I may be working on.
What do you like about your work?
What I like about my job is that you often work in a team to solve various different problems. In addition, your growth path at PwC is not set in stone, which gives you a lot of opportunities to discover what you like and what types of projects are right for you. I also really like the diversity at PwC; you get to work together with people from all over the world, which leads to useful insights at work and fun conversations over drinks.
Who are you in your free time?
I love cooking, eating out, travelling and discovering new places. I also like to work out using Classpass and play tennis occasionally when the weather is nice. Visiting a museum or ballet performance is also great.
What is still on your bucket list?
Living/working abroad.
“Ik zocht de balans tussen strategisch advies en implementatie en daarom sprak Consultancy bij PwC mij heel erg aan.”
Tell us something about your team/collaboration/colleagues/the open culture at PwC?
As I said, I really like that there is so much diversity at PwC, it makes it a very interesting company to work for. PwC also has a very open culture and the people who work here are very friendly and sociable. I've have only been working here since January, but after a few weeks I already felt at home and very welcome in the team.
Is there room for personal growth/development at PwC?
Absolutely. PwC has an internal training platform with a huge number of courses for both hard and soft skills. I also have a career coach who I talk to monthly about my development and goals, but also about whether I still like my work/project and find it challenging enough and whether I'm comfortable in my job, for example.
Can you say something about the appreciation/recognition of your work at PwC?
On my first project, I worked with a manager who would often let me present the work we had done for the client. This way, I gained more visibility with the client and greater appreciation for the work I'd done. I did not get stuck "behind the scenes". Also, everyone is very open to each other and we give each other a lot of feedback, so you quickly hear if you’re doing well or if there's anything you could improve on.
What can you say about the flexibility/work-life balance at PwC?
PwC offers a lot of flexibility to its employees. I can decide for myself how often I come into work, although we are encouraged to come to the office for the team spirit. Luckily, I really enjoy going to work and seeing my co-workers, but if you prefer to work from home on a day, that's no problem at all. So there's a good work-life balance, as you get the flexibility to schedule your own hours. I've so far never had to cancel any personal plans for work.
What would you say to your future colleagues?
I'd recommend PwC Consulting because you can really learn a lot in a short space of time and grow in a way and in areas that fit in with your preferences and interests. A lot of attention is paid to your growth path and development. The company has an open culture, which I experience as an inclusive and safe working environment. PwC also has a very good work/life balance with a great deal of flexibility, allowing you to develop your own way of working and managing your own growth in any direction you want. There are a lot of work-related and social events so you can expand your network. Last but not least, you'll have many young, clever, friendly and open-minded colleagues, which creates a pleasant atmosphere across the company.
“You'll have many young, clever, friendly, and open-minded colleagues, which ensures a fun and relaxed work environment.”
