Elizabete holds a Master’s degree in Global Business and Sustainability from the Erasmus University. During that period, she also studied as part of an exchange program at the University of Michigan. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor's degree in Law and Business at Riga Graduate School of Law.
“The ESG Deals department, where I work, offers a unique opportunity to be in the M&A field while focusing on sustainability, which is a match made in heaven.”
Why did you choose the Edge traineeship at PwC?
The application process was certainly extensive, but the Edge traineeship at PwC offers unmatched opportunities for professional growth, while I can work with great pleasure in an international environment. Initially, I was drawn to the program because of the extensive professional development and learning opportunities, both in training and real-world projects. However, in retrospect, what truly convinced me was the amazing community– the wild trainees and supportive colleagues.
You are following the expert track: why did you choose this track within Edge?
I picked the expert track because I am confident that my professional and personal interests are rooted in ESG. The ESG Deals department, where I work, offers a unique opportunity to be in the M&A field while focusing on sustainability. Therefore, the expert track, where I can specialize in a field that aligns with my passions while also participating in the social and educational events offered by Edge, is a match made in heaven.
What do you expect to learn in this traineeship?
This traineeship sets you up for success to be effective in a highly dynamic field. The training that is provided are both Deals and ESG specific, such as AI in Deals and Biodiversity Lunch & Learn, but also of overall importance, such as Pyramid Thinking and Great Conversations training.
What projects are you working on?
I am currently working on a buy-side project for electrical vehicle charging points. After deep diving into the company and the industry, we assess the most material topics. Within these topics we look at how the company performance affects its value and what further steps could be taken. This project has a span of around two weeks. Alongside that I am involved in a longer CSRD-related project in the field of architectural. As you can see, the work allowed me to learn so much about different fields even in a short period of time.
ESG Deals is one of the newest departments, so I have the chance to take on more ownership, taking my ideas and crafting materials that could serve as exemplary models in the future. However, it entails startup-like characteristics work also, such as writing project proposals.
What makes your work enjoyable?
In ESG Deals the work is both interesting and rewarding. It is thrilling to see how the value proposition grows, driven by sustainability, whilst supporting companies and private equity firms throughout the whole Deals cycle. It is really satisfying when after a project I realize how much I have learned and done in a short period of time. Especially when the client becomes increasingly enthusiastic and highlights the good work done. (The closing dinners also do not hurt).
How was it to start at PwC?
It was a soft landing at PwC due to the extensive onboarding procedures. We had several general introductions, as well as team specific events. Alongside that, I found the colleagues to be really supportive and easy to reach out to (the coffee corned barista might already remember my order after so many coffee chats with colleagues).
When just joining the company, someone told me that anything is possible at PwC if you are proactive and dedicated, and I have found this to be true. The best is yet to come!
What does your team look like?
The ESG Deals is small but mighty. Having a still growing team means the possibility to work and bond closely with different backgrounds yet highly seasoned teammates. I do truly feel at ease and rooted for in my team. We have loads of organized team events, such as hikes and dinner, but also self-organized connection moments, like the weekly “Laten we proberen Nederlands te spreken”, the coffee chats and running training.
You mentioned that the work-life balance at PwC is good. Can you explain why you experience it that way?
Work-life balance at PwC is not viewed as a cliché checkbox item, but as an opportunity to increase employee satisfaction and value. We are always encouraged to not work overtime if not necessary, but if needed, the extra hours can be used as additional vacation time. Moreover, the wellness budget and weekly yoga sessions are sweet benefits.
What are you most looking forward to?
The Madrid trip was something we all were looking forward to in the beginning of the traineeship. And now, the Deals ski trip is coming up! Beautiful Saalbach-Hinterglemm and the Beestenboel theme party it is promising to be an unforgettable time.
“It is really satisfying when after a project I realize how much I have learned and done in a short period of time."
