Mishca Jacobs

Why did you choose PwC?

During the interview process, I immediately knew that I wanted to work at PwC. I really connected with the people I met; they were knowledgeable, approachable, and easy to get along with. I could see that I would learn a lot from them and develop in a collaborative environment.

What stood out to me as well was the dynamic nature of the work. It’s not the same day-to-day, projects evolve quickly, and the environment fosters continuous growth and development. That sense of variety and challenge really appealed to me.

Additionally, PwC’s strong reputation in deals was a major factor for me. I believed the traineeship would provide incredible learning opportunities and exposure to complex projects. I was also excited about the chance to start my career alongside a cohort of other young professionals, building lasting relationships and a strong network from day one.

What exactly do you do? Can you tell me more about the content of your work?

I’m part of the Financial Analysis and Structuring Team (FAST), a specialised sub-team within Deal Analytics & Technology (DAT). Our core responsibility is to build financial data models that the Financial Due Diligence (FDD) team uses in their analysis, which means we work closely with them throughout the process.

These models allow FDD to analyse large datasets more efficiently to produce clear, actionable insights. Beyond project work, we invest time in exploring and testing tech and AI tools and initiatives within PwC to drive innovation in Deals.

What does your typical workday look like?

Every day looks different. We usually kick things off with a quick 15-minute team catch-up to go over what’s on our plate and figure out how we can help each other out.

Once the financial data comes in, we start creating the financial data model. After that, we check everything for accuracy by reconciling it with the source data. When the model is ready, we prepare an initial workbook with the key numbers and share it with the FDD team so they can dive into their analysis and build further insights using the data model. Deals can move fast, so we often get updated information along the way. When that happens, we jump back in to update the model and keep everything current. 

Outside of project work, there’s time for coaching sessions and training, which really help us grow both technically and professionally. The training sessions are not only useful but also fun, covering topics like building dashboards, or accounting refresher courses that enhance accuracy and efficiency in our analyses.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy the combination of analytics, finance, and problem-solving. While the overall process is similar across projects, each engagement brings unique challenges that keep the work interesting. What I like most is seeing the impact of our work. The models and analyses we create make working with complex financial data far more efficient, which helps teams gain the insights they need to make important decisions during transactions. It’s also exciting when we get to research and test tech and AI tools within PwC to see how they can improve our processes and add value for clients.

Beyond the technical side, I really value the supportive culture. We are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and grow through coaching and collaboration. 

The traineeship also offers plenty of opportunities to connect and build relationships. Every Wednesday, our cohort meets for lunch, which is a great way to catch up, and on Fridays we have Deals drinks in the office, a relaxed setting to unwind and strengthen connections with colleagues.

What can you tell us about your team?

I’m part of the Financial Analysis and Structuring Team (FAST), a close-knit team of three within Deal Analytics & Technology (DAT). We work closely with the Financial Due Diligence (FDD) team, and since FDD is much larger, we get the chance to collaborate with many different people across projects, which keeps things dynamic and interesting.

We also have a FAST team in Kolkata, India, and we collaborate with them regularly. They are great partners who are warm, approachable, and always willing to help, which makes working together a really positive experience.

Being part of DAT means working in a team with a strong sense of community. The group has a warm, team-oriented environment where people are always ready to share knowledge and support each other. Outside of day-to-day work, we also make time for team activities that strengthen those connections. Recently, we’ve played padel together and even completed an escape room, which was a fun way to bond beyond the office.

What’s still on your bucket list?

I’m originally from South Africa and moved to the Netherlands in 2023. I still have many European countries I’d love to explore. At the top of my bucket list is seeing the northern lights. Another bucket list item is learning to ski, which I’ll get to do on the Deals ski trip this year!

What do you think about the work-life balance at PwC?

There are definitely busy periods that call for extra effort, especially when deadlines are approaching, but you’re never doing it alone. The team is full of hardworking people who are all willing to go the extra mile, so you tackle challenges together and support each other along the way. 

If you have a personal commitment, as long as you communicate it to the team, everyone is respectful and does their best to make it possible for you to meet those external commitments. It’s a very flexible environment that values trust and understanding.

How would you describe the work atmosphere at PwC?

I felt genuinely welcomed from day one. My colleagues all took time to have coffee with me, share tips, and help me settle in. On your first day, you are assigned a buddy who becomes your go-to person for questions and guidance. They help you navigate everything from practical matters to understanding team processes, which makes the transition much easier and more comfortable.

The atmosphere encourages growth, collaboration, and continuous learning. It is a culture where people support each other, making work both engaging and rewarding. There is plenty of interesting and challenging work, and the sense of teamwork makes it enjoyable.

Beyond day-to-day tasks, there are regular team-building activities and social events. These events are a great way to get to know your colleagues on a more personal level, which makes working together even better.

How does PwC support your career path?

PwC offers a wide range of initiatives to support your professional growth. One of the most valuable is having a dedicated career coach who helps you set goals, plan your development, and navigate your long-term ambitions. Feedback is also an important part of the culture. After each project, you are encouraged to ask for feedback to understand what went well and where you can improve, creating a strong environment for continuous learning.

PwC also invests significantly in training. There are opportunities to build technical expertise and take part in soft-skills programs such as Pyramid Thinking, which strengthen communication. If you choose the expert track in the Deals traineeship, after a few years you can even pursue professional qualifications like the CFA with full support from PwC.

Another great aspect of the traineeship is the option to rotate across different teams. Those who choose the rotation track gain broad exposure to the entire deal process, which helps build a well-rounded understanding of how different parts of the business work together.

Which project makes you the most proud?

One of the projects I’m most proud of was a sell-side due diligence for a large firm operating across multiple countries, currencies, and legal entities. Building a reconciled financial data model was complex because it involved consolidating information from different systems.

I really enjoyed this project because it required frequent interaction with the client. We worked closely together to resolve discrepancies, and make sure everything aligned with their expectations. That collaboration made the process engaging and gave me a deeper understanding of their business.

It was incredibly rewarding to see everything come together in the final report and know that our model supported analyses that informed key decisions.

What would you say to your future colleagues?

When you join PwC, you’ll be part of a culture centred on collaboration and growth. You’ll work closely with talented teammates and experienced experts who are eager to share their knowledge, so you learn a lot about Deals from day one. You’ll also be surrounded by people who are driven to be the best at what they do, which creates an inspiring environment to push yourself and grow.

You’ll get to work on projects that make a real impact and quickly build a deep understanding of how Deals work across different industries. There’s strong support throughout your journey, including a dedicated career coach to help you plan your development, regular feedback after every project, and a cohort of peers who grow alongside you. There are also many opportunities to strengthen both technical and soft skills, helping you become a well-rounded Deals professional. 

Overall, the Deals traineeship gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience, learn directly from industry experts, and access resources that will help you build a strong and successful career in Deals.