The People. Now this answer might sound a bit cliché but it truly is what defines the PwC experience. Everyone that I’ve met and worked with is what I would call top notch. From the associates all the way to the partners, many have impressed me with their drive, professionalism, and competence, their super friendly and fun demeanour that make me feel like I’m not even at work, the fact that many do not embody the stereotype of what many think defines ‘an accountant’ as so many of them are talented and invested in sometime outside of work, and the simple fact that many of my colleagues have become my friends over the years.
Do you have any tips or advice on the recruiting process?
I clearly remember the very first time I attended a recruiting event back in first year. It was my first time approaching a recruiter. I walked up to him. I shook his hand and said, ‘Hello my name is Marianne.’ He returned a smile and said, ‘Pleasure to meet you.’ Right after that I froze. There was complete, awkward silence for a good 20 seconds. He stared at me. I stared at him. I wanted to hide and be anywhere but there at that moment. The next words out of my mouth were, ‘Very nice to meet you. Have a good evening,’ and I walked away. Never had I been so nervous, tongue-tied, and stopped in my tracks with nothing else to say and a blank expression on my face. From that experience, I came to learn that I should never let my nerves overtake me. Recruiters are normal, everyday people who do not breathe and live technical accounting terms and standards day in and day out. They watch TV too. They have passions for sports or the arts. They travel. Talk to them about what interests you and what interests them. More often than not, you will find a connection with them. Be natural when you talk to them. Be confident and just be yourself.
What has surprised you the most about PwC that you didn’t expect before you started with them?
Unlimited Opportunities. Never did I imagine that in my 1st co-op term, I would have the opportunity to work in Chicago for a month as my very first job. Never did I imagine that in my 2nd and 3rd co-op term, I would have the opportunity to work in other lines of service – internal audit and forensics – in addition to audit. Never did I imagine that in my 4th co-op term, I would be speaking to the CFO about their business strategy and how that has improved their bottom line two fold within a year.
Do you have any tips or advice on the recruiting process?
I clearly remember the very first time I attended a recruiting event back in first year. It was my first time approaching a recruiter. I walked up to him. I shook his hand and said, ‘Hello my name is Marianne.’ He returned a smile and said, ‘Pleasure to meet you.’ Right after that I froze. There was complete, awkward silence for a good 20 seconds. He stared at me. I stared at him. I wanted to hide and be anywhere but there at that moment. The next words out of my mouth were, ‘Very nice to meet you. Have a good evening,’ and I walked away. Never had I been so nervous, tongue-tied, and stopped in my tracks with nothing else to say and a blank expression on my face. From that experience, I came to learn that I should never let my nerves overtake me. Recruiters are normal, everyday people who do not breathe and live technical accounting terms and standards day in and day out. They watch TV too. They have passions for sports or the arts. They travel. Talk to them about what interests you and what interests them. More often than not, you will find a connection with them. Be natural when you talk to them. Be confident and just be yourself.
What has surprised you the most about PwC that you didn’t expect before you started with them?
Unlimited Opportunities. Never did I imagine that in my 1st co-op term, I would have the opportunity to work in Chicago for a month as my very first job. Never did I imagine that in my 2nd and 3rd co-op term, I would have the opportunity to work in other lines of service – internal audit and forensics – in addition to audit. Never did I imagine that in my 4th co-op term, I would be speaking to the CFO about their business strategy and how that has improved their bottom line two fold within a year.
