PwC Scholar - David Foo

PwC Scholarship – Complements my interest in pursuing a career in Accounting

I applied for the PwC scholarship while I was still in Junior College. At that time, I felt that the PwC scholarship complemented my interest in studying accountancy extremely well, and would provide me with the necessary skills and exposure that I would not be able to obtain in the university classroom. The opportunity of an overseas internship also really attracted me, as I enjoy travelling to new places and getting a taste of different cultures.

Personally, I am not one of those people born with a fixed ambition in mind. I never grew up knowing I was destined to be a doctor or pilot specifically, but I always knew I wanted to work in a business or finance related industry. After consulting many people and doing my own research, I decided that working in an accounting firm would be the best way to go for me.

PwC mentors me while I am still in the university

PwC is well-known for its training programmes as well as the quality of its employees. Before taking up the PwC scholarship, I had heard of PwC’s reputation for excellent training programmes and staff welfare. Upon taking up the scholarship, I experienced first-hand how it is true. PwC took a proactive approach in assimilating me into the firm. Within a few months, PwC had assigned a mentor to me, invited me to the firm’s events, and regularly kept in touch with me.

An example is the invitation I received for a paintball tournament at Orchid Country Club organised by PwC. The staff who attended the event ranged from partners to managers and even fresh graduates who had just joined the firm. I was very impressed with the level of camaraderie among everyone, regardless of their position in the firm. The people were very friendly as well as willing to share their experiences and give advice. It is this open and family-like culture, I feel, that sets PwC’s coaching and training apart from the rest.

One of the things I really appreciate about the scholarship is the mentoring programme. I have yet to start work in PwC, but already they have assigned a mentor to me. Being a full-time student, it is harder to feel connected to the firm since I do not normally spend time there. So having a mentor – someone who is in PwC and with significant influence – helps a lot. Knowing that there is someone experienced in the firm whom you can go to for help and advice is definitely something I cherish.

PwC has also set itself apart from the other firms. Talk to anyone in the industry and they will tell you that working as an accountant is not the easiest of jobs. Long hours, hard work and pressing deadlines are the norm. However, mention PwC and they will bring up its excellent staff welfare schemes, and great working environment that help to compensate for the grueling nature of the job.

Besides that, attend any of PwC’s recruitment talks and you can tell straight away that PwC is different from the rest. Their talks are structured in a creative way, always fresh and always injected with a good dose of fun.

Changing my mindset towards my studies

Being a scholar under PwC has changed the way I approach my studies. With the scholarship, I have a clearer picture of the future ahead of me. This motivates me to study harder and encourages me to really learn and understand the subjects related to my future career. The scholarship helps to pique my interest especially for the drier accountancy modules.

Provides me with job security

At the same time, the assurance of a job secured with one of the best accounting firms gives me the flexibility and freedom to pursue my other interests. With the PwC scholarship, things like worrying about securing internships or sending out numerous resumes to different companies to apply for jobs is eliminated, giving me more time to either focus on my studies, or to explore other activities that university life offers.

Instead of being restrictive, the bond attached with the scholarship actually allows me more flexibility to manage my time during the school term and the holidays. This is something I value as I enjoy travelling, something that requires a lot of planning, savings and time.

This realisation only hit me recently when I saw how tedious and time-consuming the whole process of applying for jobs as well as internships is. At a time when most of my schoolmates are scrambling to fill out application forms and attend interviews while balancing their already heavy workload, I am grateful for the security the PwC scholarship gives me.

Journeying with PwC

If I could give any word of advice to anyone considering applying for the PwC scholarship, it would be to take a long-term view on things. While taking on a bond may seem like a huge commitment, with perspective, the entire package that the PwC scholarship offers is well planned and designed not to hinder you but to provide you with the best opportunities for growth and development. In the financial services sector, there is the Big Four; and among Big Four, there is PwC. I am confident that PwC can offer me the kind of career that I desire, and taking up the PwC scholarship is the first step on that journey.


David Foo is a second year student at SMU.

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