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At the heart of PwC’s market leading graduate programme for Deals is the opportunity for graduates to experience an international secondment as part of their development journey. We are passionate about developing well-rounded and well networked Deals advisors, starting with our graduates. Edge offers international secondment opportunities to top performers across the globe and, via these participants are currently on exchange, for example, from Kenya to Australia, Ireland to Spain, Germany to the UK and Italy to Japan.
We wanted to find out more about the experiences of those who have already travelled abroad, some are still on secondment and others have returned to their home teams. They shared their reasons for going on secondment and what they learned. Have a read below and if you are interested in joining the Edge programme and experiencing working abroad follow the links below.
#PwCEdge #PwCDeals
Let's hear from our Edge participants from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
Gina Cohrs: Secondment from PwC Germany to PwC UK
Why did you choose PwC UK for your international secondment?
I wanted to improve my English to feel more confident in client discussions and to step out of my comfort zone for my own personal development. PwC provides support where you need it, however, moving abroad is always challenging. You can learn from different ways of working and living and adopt them into your own life.
How has the secondment helped you develop personally and professionally?
I learned to be more confident and not be afraid to fail. One of my directors said ‘It’s much better to make mistakes now and have a bad meeting with a client as a senior associate, than later as a director with more responsibility.’ Nobody expects you to be perfect while developing, it’s about trying new things in order to improve.
Why should someone choose the UK for an international secondment?
First of all, your language skills will improve. I think it is very different talking in English to a native speaker than to other non-native speakers. You will also experience a more relaxed work environment where after-work drinks are not an exception.
What were your three highlights from your international secondment?
- A very diverse project team with different nationalities (England, Canada, Spain, India, France, Germany).
- The fexibility, serenity and politeness of British people.
- Friendly after work drinks with pizza during the summer.
"The international experience during my secondment was so rewarding that it was agreed that I stay longer."
Lucy Kidd: Secondment from PwC Ireland to PwC Spain
How would you describe your international secondment experience in one sentence?
It has opened my eyes to the different ways of work within the PwC network.
Why did you choose PwC Spain for your international secondment?
PwC Spain provided me with the opportunity to change from my current role in Ireland and allowed me to try something new. The Deals team in Madrid also provided me with the chance to work on bigger projects with bigger clients which I was excited to get exposure to. Also, who doesn't love sunny Spain?
How has the secondment helped you develop personally and professionally?
The exchange has helped me broaden my skills and become an all-rounded better individual at in work and personally. At work, I have been given a different perspective and a break from the 'norm'/what I am used to. Aside from work, moving to a new city and meeting new people has been invaluable for personal growth.
What are your three highlights from your international secondment?
- I learned so much which will benefit my career in the long run.
- Moving to a new city and meeting new people was an amazing experience.
- The Spanish sun (even in winter, it is better than Dublin!).
"I developed an international mindset and gained exposure to large Deals projects during my secondment."
Philippe Bösch: Secondment from PwC Switzerland to PwC Netherlands
How would you describe your international secondment experience in one sentence?
Amazing, I had a blast - and it even felt a bit too short.
What was your role during your international secondment?
I was part of PwC Netherlands' Valuation and Modelling team and worked on various client projects with a focus on the Technology, Media and Telecommunications industry.
What’s the best piece of advice you were given during your international secondment?
I had valuable development and feedback discussions with various colleagues I worked with. I especially remember a session with my assigned coach from the host territory about leadership where he emphasised the importance of a true leader caring about people and prioritising coaching.
Any advice for someone applying for an international secondment during the Edge programme?
Be open and enjoy every minute of your secondment. In addition, I would encourage you to provide open feedback to your host territory about your experiences during your exchange. I had a feedback session with my host territory Partner at the end of my secondment during which I reflected on topics I observed that are working very well and others that could be improved. The feedback was very much appreciated, and it shows another aspect why such secondments are very beneficial for various involved parties.
What were your three highlights from your international secondment?
- People and team spirit: I got to know many interesting colleagues and experienced a great team spirit that resulted in many memorable afterwork and weekend events.
- Biking to work: Cycling through the city of Amsterdam whilst listening to podcasts was a great way to start and end the working day.
- Amsterdam and the Netherlands: It's a great place to work and live and offer numerous activities and places to explore, especially in the spring and summer.
"Whilst on secondment, I deepened my experience in the technology industry."
Léa Alvim De Faria: Secondment from PwC Belgium to PwC Italy
Why did you choose PwC Italy for your international secondment?
It has always been a personal goal to live in Milan at some point in my career. I wanted to combine my work with industries that attract me the most, namely fashion, food and customer/retail, which are less covered in my home territory.
How has this international secondment helped you develop personally and professionally?
I wanted to have access to a bigger market, Milan is more fast- paced, and I am learning a lot.
Why should someone choose PwC Italy for their international secondment?
You’ll find a dynamic city, the opportunity to work on lots of projects and a beautiful country to visit.
Any advice for someone applying for an international secondment during the Edge programme?
To be motivated to learn the local language and be ready to adapt to the local culture to fully embrace the experience.
"Whilst on secondment, I'm getting exposure to new Deals sectors that enhanced my business acumen."
Madihah Mujeeb: Secondment from PwC Middle East to PwC UK
How would you describe your international secondment experience in one sentence?
An insightful work experience in which I have been able to expand the breadth of my network, broaden my M&A knowledge and enhance my personal development in terms of people and technical skills.
How has the secondment helped you develop personally and professionally?
Given the structured nature of the team in the UK along with sector specific teams, it has helped develop more sector focused knowledge which can then be utilised in my home territory.
What’s the best piece of advice you were given during your international secondment?
Be open, and take advantage of every opportunity that becomes available to you.
Any advice for someone applying for an international secondment during the Edge programme?
Be certain and clear that you would like to travel, you will be faced with a lot of obstacles and must be determined to overcome them.
What were your three highlights from your international secondment?
- Meeting a much bigger team.
- Experiencing a deal in another territory.
- Absorbing and understanding the British market.
"My secondment to PwC UK strengthened my sector knowledge through a variety of Deals projects."
Amit Kotecha: Secondment from PwC Kenya to PwC Australia
Why did you choose PwC Australia for your international secondment?
I chose PwC Australia as my secondment host because of the flexibility it offers. I'm able to work from any PwC office within Australia which allows me to work and explore this beautiful country at the same time.
In retrospect, would you apply again for the international secondment?
I would most definitely apply again for an international secondment.
Why should someone choose PwC Australia for their international secondment?
Working in a country with different market practices than their home country, the international exchange in Australia allows the secondee to develop and enhance new skills. The secondee would also benefit from PwC Australia's various benefits, one of them being the work flexibly initiative.
How was your relationship with your home territory during your exchange?
I had regular catch-ups with my home territory team where I was able to discuss the use of different technologies already in use at PwC Australia that would greatly help my team at PwC Kenya.
"New cross-border learning and exposure benefitted PwC Australia and PwC Kenya."
Johannes Schlicksbier: Secondment from Strategy& DE (PwC network) to PwC Strategy& US
How would you describe your international secondment in one sentence?
I meet inspiring people every day and cherish all the work related challenges that keep you motivated.
Why did you choose PwC Strategy& US for your long-term secondment?
I chose PwC Strategy& US because of two factors:
- I have a strong track record in private equity consulting and New York is the global capital of private equity deals.
- I have had a strong personal affiliation with the US since doing a student exchange back in high school.
How is the long-term secondment helping you to develop personally and professionally?
Still ongoing but I'm gaining experience in an area that Strategy& US has unique exposure to.
Why should someone choose PwC Strategy& US for their international secondment?
It depends on your goals. Think about the business case for territories within your specialisation. Additionally, if you love the country and people and are willing to learn a new working culture, Strategy& US is right for you.
What’s the best piece of advice you have been given during your international secondment?
Be proactive and tell your own story.
What are your three highlights from your long-term secondment so far?
- The project dinner above the rooftops of New York after my first successful buy-side CDD project in the US.
- Moving into the 52nd floor of my apartment building with a view of the Hudson river.
- Finding my first friend here in New York after only a few days through a common friend and colleague in the London office of Strategy&.
"My secondment in NY for PwC Strategy& US is intellectually rewarding."
Let's hear from our Edge participants from Asia Pacific
Ching Ling Ng: Secondment from PwC Singapore to PwC Japan
What are you most looking forward to in this international secondment to PwC Japan?
I am most excited to experience the life of a local, immersing myself in the culture, exploring new places and making friends with the locals!
At the same time, I cannot wait to meet my teammates from the Deals Digital Team, as well as colleagues from the wider Deals team in Japan. There is so much to learn from the Japanese team and I am humbled to be able to learn new skills, new knowledge and new ways of working to share back to the Singapore firm.
How has Edge prepared you for this opportunity?
Throughout the Edge programme, I have had the honour to participate in various activities organised by the Edge team - this ranges from the International Deals Foundation Event in my first year, to networking events and the many sharing sessions by our subject matter experts. These opportunities have provided us “Edgies” with the platform to establish friendships with our counterparts across Asia Pacific, and definitely helped with confidence building as well. With such wide exposure, I would say that it has geared me up for this international secondment in many ways.
What’s something that you’re grateful for with regards to the Edge international secondment?
I’m grateful for this professional opportunity and the immense support I received from various groups since the start of my international secondment journey. Their care and guidance have made my international secondment and the adjustment period easier and more pleasant. My personal needs and well-being have been supported by both the Singapore firm, particularly the Singapore Global Mobility and Deals HR team, and the Japan firm, who have gone above and beyond to provide assistance.
Last but not least, thank you to the Edge programme team and my sponsoring partner for making this international secondment possible!
Why do you think you were selected to go on this international secondment?
I was chosen for the Edge international secondment because of my aspiration to grow with the firm, and to expand my PwC network and relationships. While leading my team and delivering on client projects, the valuable lessons I have learnt from my partner, seniors, as well as peers, have helped me grow professionally and personally in the past few years with PwC. Besides that, I also take ownership of my growth and take on a proactive approach to most things, as I am very passionate about what I do in Deals Data Analytics.
"I’m most excited about experiencing life in another country and developing an international mindset to broaden my thinking."
Hasung Yun: Secondment from PwC Korea to PwC Hong Kong
What are you most looking forward to in this international secondment to PwC Hong Kong?
Given that Hong Kong is a big financial hub, there are many opportunities to learn what private equity and financial institutions are interested in and where the investment opportunities are. Through this, I want to develop an eye for where the future opportunities are and be prepared for them.
I also look forward to being a part of the Hong Kong work culture in terms of how the team works, communicates and collaborates. I am curious to learn about their work culture especially when they are different from the culture back in Korea and to leverage that learning for cross-border work.
How has Edge prepared you for this opportunity?
Edge has opened doors for cross-border project collaboration that is inspiring and new to my team in Korea in many ways.
The business rotations provided by the Edge programme prepared me with a wide range of knowledge and skills to deliver well on various projects with the Valuations and Due Diligence team in Hong Kong. I have received learning that has broadened my business acumen and the experience is invaluable. It has also given me valuable insights into the Deals lifecycle and the various transitions along the Deals continuum. I’m incredibly grateful for the Edge business rotation experience.
Why do you think you have been selected for this international secondment?
I have a strong interest in international and cross-border projects, and I proactively expressed interest in being part of any amazing opportunities within the PwC network. When this opportunity presented itself, I was very lucky to be nominated.
I am also curious and seek new learning and growth opportunities. I take the opportunity to find ways to develop when put into new environments which could be one of the reasons I am selected for this international secondment.
Lastly, I’m a strong performer in my projects and always focus on filling the gaps where needed to gain the best outcome for clients.
"Working on cross-border projects and expanding my network in a different county are things I look forward to in the Edge international secondment."
"A core component of our graduate programme for Deals is the opportunity to experience living and working in different parts of our business. These rotations are both local and international. From Australia to the US, from Germany to the UK , from Spain to Ireland our Edge graduates are gaining amazing exposure to new teams, clients, project tools and learning. I believe this sets us apart as a graduate employer in this market."
Possibilities of international secondment within Edge
The Edge international secondment programme is a key differentiator in the graduate market, for our people and for our Deals business. The aim of the secondments is to develop well-rounded deal professionals who demonstrate analytical thinking and collaborate effectively with a mindset that transcends boundaries and embraces diverse perspectives. For our Edge participants, it is a fulfilling experience where they discover and explore a foreign country that helps them grow personally and professionally.
We are delighted that 17 Edge participants have successfully completed the first round of secondment post– COVID-19 pandemic. They tell us they are feeling enriched with new learning, new relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. At present, 54 participants are enjoying working and living abroad. They confirm these experiences are helping them expand the breadth of their network, broaden their Deals knowledge, and meet their personal goals.
The Edge international secondments are an unique opportunity for those seeking new experiences, accelerated growth and personal success. If you are interested in our Edge programme and international secondments, please visit the Edge programme page and scroll to the bottom of the page to get in touch with your territory.
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