Rogier Habets
So tell us, who are you?
‘My name is Rogier, I am 30 years old and have worked at PwC for seven years. As an indirect tax manager in the Deals practice, I focus on VAT-related advice during mergers and acquisitions. In my free time, I like visiting the gym or going for a jog near my home in Vianen. I also enjoy singing pop songs and like to learn about politics, (men's) fashion and pop culture.’
“My team features a lot of people who like to exercise before, during and after working hours. It is something that we all take into account.”
Meet Rogier Habets. A political scientist, sportsman, tax specialist and solver at PwC Netherlands.
How did you end up at PwC and what exactly do you do?
‘How does a political scientist end up at PwC?’ This is a regular question when I present myself to clients or new colleagues. The answer: I was part of the Tax Traineeship at PwC, where Master's alumni with surprising academic backgrounds are given the opportunity to follow a post-initial Master's in Tax Law and to also gain work experience within the Tax practice at PwC. It was a golden opportunity for me: I was able to quickly combine theory and practice and was given every chance to use the critical outlook from my Political Science studies when working for clients and stakeholders. After a three-year traineeship, I was ready to start working as indirect tax specialist in the field of Deals.’
Why did you choose PwC?
‘I was immediately sold when I heard that PwC was using the Tax Traineeship to actively look for people who see things differently from traditional tax specialists. PwC is showing great courage by offering opportunities to people from outside the traditional academic areas, and by focusing on a diverse and inclusive workforce. As far as I am concerned, the Tax Traineeship can be seen as 'The New Equation' because PwC does not necessarily focus on what you have studied, but on uniting your unique skills with those of your colleagues. This allows us to find the very best solutions.’
What is your academic background?
‘I earned a Bachelor's and Master's in Political Science at VU Amsterdam, as well as a post-initial Master's in Tax Law at the Radboud University Nijmegen.’
What does your working day generally look like?
‘I normally like starting nice and early at the Amsterdam office, so that I can quietly sort out my inbox, but I make an active start to the day on Wednesdays and Fridays by first visiting the gym. The Deals practice is very dynamic, so my days never flow in the same manner. For instance, interviews with stakeholders may be followed by quiet moments where my colleagues and I report our findings, followed by active professional sessions where we are able to spar about the latest tax-related laws and regulations. We always make time for coffee and - if possible - a piece of cake!’
“The Deals practice is very dynamic, so my days never flow in the same manner.”
What do you enjoy about your work?
‘The deals come along very quickly and vary greatly. One week I will be talking to the auditor of a comprehensive school, and a week later I will be visiting an IT company. This means I see many different perspectives, so things are never boring. It really helps that I can rely on my colleagues, and they are a stable factor in a practice that is always changing. And there is nothing nicer than spending time with colleagues at the end of a busy week, for example, by having lunch in the office, a drink or a game of padel.’
What do you think about the work-life balance at PwC?
‘PwC offers me a lot of freedom to plan my working day. When doing so, the key word is communication: many options are available if you speak openly with your colleagues. For instance, many people in my team (me included), like to exercise before, during or after their working day. And that's something we all take into account.’
What would you like to say to your future colleagues?
‘My decision to approach PwC was a leap of faith: ‘Do I belong here?’, I thought to myself. However, my concerns were immediately alleviated when I met a future colleague in an informal setting. And what did I see? Those boring tax specialists are not so boring after all! So, dare to take that step, and do not hesitate to contact me if I can do the same for you!’
“PwC wants to unite your unique skills with those of your colleagues in order to find the very best solutions.”
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