Can you briefly tell us about yourself?
I'm Auke, and since September I can call PwC's Deals department my home! After a successful study period in Rotterdam, I recently moved to our capital. So I have enough time for my hobbies in addition to the Edge Deals traineeship: hockey, fitness and cooking.
Meet Auke. A solver, hockey-player and impatient but driven connector.
How did you end up at PwC and what exactly do you do?
A college friend told me about the Edge Deals Traineeship, the work within Deals and the fresh working atmosphere at PwC, which convinced me. Joining Edge ensures that you get a good overview of the different aspects within the Deals practice, by doing four rotations in two years. You work as an Associate in the various departments for six months at a time. In this way you get to know many different specialisations but also many different colleagues. Afterwards, you decide where you feel most at home and transfer to the relevant department. With the knowledge you have gathered from other departments, you are of unique added value.
Why did you choose this position?
I chose this position because I am convinced the dynamic world of Mergers & Acquisitions suits me, but I am not yet sure which part of the Deals process suits me best. In addition, I was looking for an international and friendly employer where I can develop myself. All this comes together within PwC's Edge Traineeship.
“Continuous technological innovations means that our work can be done in an increasingly streamlined manner, but the ultimate value lies in the unique expertise of the people within PwC."
What is your (study) background?
I have completed a Master's degree in Strategic Management at Erasmus University and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
What does your working day look like?
In the morning I have a relaxed breakfast, often with the FD or The Economist on the back burner next to it. I usually start my workday with a coffee to catch up with colleagues.
At Financial Due Diligence, where I am now, projects are often subject to so-called Ethical Walls. In practice, this means you and your project team are often in a separate floor from the rest of your Deals colleagues. In these periods you often get to know your teammates very well and create a bond to work hard together towards the end result.
When I'm not scheduled for a project, I take a seat in one of the flexible workplaces of our department for a wide range of different activities, from planning a Padel tournament to setting up proposals. You can also use this time to speak to PwC colleagues who are active in another department.
What do you like about your job?
The best thing about my job is the dynamic environment and the versatility. I also think the atmosphere at the office is a really big plus. The average age at PwC is very young, but the more senior colleagues and partners are also accessible and up for a chat. Moreover, we undertake many social activities, so there is something to experience every week.
Who are you in your spare time?
I am a very sporty person who does not like to sit still and who values his social life very much. In addition, at PwC you get a lot of room for flexibility, which I like to use by taking city trips or longer travels.
What is still on your bucket list?
Professionally, I would very much like to participate in a major international deal, in collaboration with other PwC offices abroad. Personally, I would like to take a long trip to Patagonia and Antarctica.
Can you tell us something about your team/collaboration/colleagues/the open culture at PwC?
As an Associate at PwC, you are sometimes challenged quite a bit. Fortunately, this also ensures that you get many opportunities to show your best side, and you can be sure that this will be noticed by your teammates.
Is there room for personal growth/development within PwC?
Within PwC, personal development is encouraged and facilitated in many different ways. This gives you the opportunity to visit events and, for example, there is the Deals Platform Academy, a day on which everyone within Deals comes together for a full program of workshops, keynote speakers and panel discussions.
Can you say something about the appreciation/recognition for your work within PwC?
As an Associate at PwC, you are sometimes challenged quite a bit. Fortunately, this also ensures that you get many opportunities to show your best side, and when you do this you can be sure that this will be noticed by your teammates.
“Participating in the Edge Deals Traineeship ensures that you get to know many different specializations and colleagues: If you rotate out, you will have unique added value with the knowledge you have acquired from other departments."
“When I'm not scheduled for a project, I take a seat at one of our department's flexible workplaces for a wide range of different activities: from planning a Padel tournament to setting up proposals."
Can you name a project you are proud of?
I worked on a big project, a so-called Vendor Due that I think we can be proud of with the whole team. Personally, while writing this report, I performed many tasks for the first time, and it is special to see the results reflected in the final product.
What can you say about the flexibility/work-life balance at PwC?
The work-life balance is ideal for me. Challenging work in a casual atmosphere, but when you go home, the rest of the day is really to yourself.
What would you like to say to your future colleagues?
Start refining your padel skills: you're going to need it.
