Tell us about yourself, where you’re from and what you studied in college
I am from Dublin. I studied Commerce International with Spanish in UCD which involved an Erasmus year in Valencia, Spain. PwC sponsored me to complete a Masters in Accounting in UCD Smurfit after my undergrad. I currently work as an assurance associate within the Foreign Direct Investment practice.
How did you find out about the grad programme?
Through word of mouth at college. The grad programme is extremely well known within all third level colleges in Ireland.
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What is the graduate programme like?
In short, it’s a really supportive environment, you work hard but there is also fun. You have to be organised, balancing work, exams and enjoying a post-Covid social life.
What differentiates the programme is the people; senior staff truly want you to succeed both professionally and academically.
Explain what the work experience was like
Every day is different, I don’t see myself getting bored anytime soon. It is a steep learning curve at the start, but everyone is very supportive as they remember having to ask hundreds of questions when they first started.
I was exposed to a wide range of clients from day one including PLCs, charities and software companies. It is a great opportunity to gain insight into some of the largest international companies operating in Ireland and meet with their senior management at the beginning of your career.
What do you plan to work as after the programme and why?
I see myself staying in professional services as I enjoy the constant challenge and the variety of work. My short term plan is to go on secondment to another PwC office, maybe Sydney, Vancouver, or New York. With the exams behind me and the great experience I have got, the possibilities are endless.
What’s your advice to graduates applying to the programme?
The programme is competitive, attracting top calibre applicants. Don’t forget to include experiences outside of the lecture hall to emphasise what sets you apart from the crowd. In my interview I was asked about my negotiation skills. I explained that on my J1 at a summer camp in Vermont I would have to negotiate with a group of five year olds every evening to go to bed on time. After that experience I could negotiate with anyone.
