Every project is a bit of a challenge for me

A new team, new projects and new colleagues every six months. For some, this would be stressful, but for Nina, it’s exactly what she needed. As an extrovert who likes trying new things, she enjoys the two-year rotation programme at PwC – she likes the variety of work and the number of new people she has met in such a short time.

You’ve been at PwC for about a year and a half. What attracted you to this company?

I was already interested in corporate and finance work when I was at university. So, I started looking for opportunities, and PwC is one of a few companies offering a rotation programme where I can try everything, find out what I enjoy and then move on accordingly. What’s more, the first meeting took place in a friendly atmosphere and, rather than a job interview, it felt like a pleasant chat.

How does the rotation programme work and what are its advantages?

Over two years, you have the opportunity to spend three to six months in up to seven departments. I was most interested in four teams (Due Diligence, M&A, Valuation, and BRS) and spent about six months in each of them working on regular projects. Some might see it as a disadvantage that you don’t focus fully on anything for two years. But I find it great to have an opportunity to combine the experience I gain in each of the teams. The programme also works really well for networking, as you get to know everyone on the floor.

How difficult is it to fit into the team?

The teams have always included me in all tasks and projects, including side visiting clients. One shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions, because it’s like changing actual jobs every six months. Each team works a little differently and has different processes.

Are six months enough to know where to go next?

Yes, I think so, although you don’t always get to work on big projects right from the start, obviously, and sometimes you have to handle smaller tasks. But I’ve learned a lot in six months and every task is still a bit of a challenge for me. 

What do you enjoy most about working at PwC?

Visiting companies – it’s better to see what I’m calculating for them, and I also get contacts and learn a lot about industries I didn’t even know about before. However, I enjoy sitting at the desk doing Excel/PowerPoint calculations as well. At least this way I get to know the job from both sides, and I enjoy the variety.

How important is the team to you?

Teamwork is definitely one of the things you have to try during those six months. At the end of the day, fitting into the team is the most important thing. In general, there are lots of activities to do there and a relaxed atmosphere. Lots of the young people I’ve met in the company are no longer just colleagues, but often friends, too. We see each other even after work. I always look forward to having a chat with them.

How much can you do in terms of self-education during the rotation programme?

It’s not just within the rotation programme – we have access to countless educational events and activities, whether in-house or in the form of external training. We have subscriptions to various certificate courses and lots of other things we can use – and as rotation participants, we can use everything.

In about six months, the programme will end and you will have to decide where to go next. Have you made up your mind yet?

Of course, I have some preferences, but I wouldn’t want to say what they are just yet. 😀 The thing is, it’s not only up to me, but also up to the team members, whether they were satisfied with my work and whether they have capacity for me. I hope all these factors will come together so that I can choose a team I can contribute to and that will also be beneficial for me.

Enough about work. Do you ever have time to relax?

Definitely. In my free time, I like travelling and exploring new places. I would like to end my rotation with a longer holiday. We haven’t chosen a destination yet, but my friends and I are planning to go backpacking in Asia. Spending time with friends and family, as well as travelling, are my favourite activities. That’s why it’s the best combination for me when these things come together.