Pien van Gils

Associate - Edge Deals Traineeship

Can you briefly tell us about yourself?

My name is Pien and I am 25 years old. Last September I started the Edge Deals Traineeship at PwC. Before, I studied Law and later Business Administration at Radboud University in Nijmegen.

“I started in September, this means I will go to four of the nine different departments within Deals over the next two years as an Associate. At the end of these two years, I will rotate out in one of these specialisations.”

Pien van Gils - Associate - Edge Deals Traineeship

Meet Pien. An Ambitious, empathetic and enthusiastic solver.

How did you end up at PwC and what exactly do you do?

When I heard about the Edge Deals Traineeship at a career event, my attention was immediately drawn. I started in September, this means I will go to four of the nine different departments within Deals over the next two years as an Associate. At the end of these two years, I will rotate out in one of these specialisations. I am currently on my first rotation, which in my case is Business Restructuring Services. This department advises and assists companies that are in financial difficulties by carrying out both financial and operational restructuring.

Why did you choose this position?

I choose this position because the Mergers & Aqquisitions world has always had my interest and the traineeship also offers the unique opportunity to see and discover different facets within Deals. Plus, it's incredibly valuable to be able to learn different things from different departments.

What is your (study) background?

I have a Bachelor of Law and a Master of Strategic Management.

What does your working day look like?

My working day looks different every day! But always starts with a team meeting in which we discuss what we are going to do that day and how. I work a lot with data tools to do analyses and I like to help my colleagues whenever I can.

What do you like about your job?

What I like most is that I learn so much in such a short time. It is very challenging, and I never get bored. In terms of substance, it is nice to gain insight into companies around you and to actually deliver sustainable value.

“The work is very challenging: What I like most that I learn so much in such a short time, gain insight into companies around me and can actually deliver sustainable value."

Pien van Gils - Associate - Edge Deals Traineeship

Who are you in your spare time?

In my spare time I am busy with meeting family and friends, playing sports and walking. In addition, I can certainly enjoy myself with a nice series or film from time to time.

What is still on your bucket list?

At the top of my bucket list is that I still would like to present a talk show!

Can you tell us something about your team/collaboration/colleagues/the open culture at PwC?

The culture at PwC is very open. In addition, there is plenty of room to ask questions: everyone is very approachable and happy to help.

“There is plenty of room for personal growth within PwC, additionally events such as 'Speaking Up with Confidence' are organized where you can talk about important themes with other professionals within Deals and a valuable network.”

Pien van Gils - Associate - Edge Deals Traineeship

Is there room for personal growth/development within PwC?

There is plenty of room for personal growth. For example, there are events such as 'Speaking Up with Confidence' where you can talk about important themes with other professionals within Deals and get the chance to build a valuable network. Additionally, you have access to a wellbeing budget for both your physical and mental development.

Can you say something about the appreciation/recognition for your work within PwC?

A personal career coach and buddy are there to guide you and help you set and achieve your goals personally as well as professionally.

Can you name a project you are proud of?

I am proud that I truly feel I deliver value within the projects I do. Both to customers and within my team.

What can you say about the flexibility/work-life balance at PwC?

The work-life balance and flexibility at PwC is very good. You are given the freedom to arrange your own time, making almost everything possible in consultation.

“I am proud of the first project I worked on, to deliver a great end result together with my team.”

Pien van Gils - Associate - Edge Deals Traineeship

What would you like to say to your future colleagues?

I would like to say to my future colleagues that you really have to go for what you want and don't let anything stop you. If you like something and want to learn it, your colleagues are more than open to teaching you all the facets of Deals.