PwC

Helen joined PwC in Consulting after studying Arts and Commerce at university. 

"I first heard about Forensics and Financial Crime from a friend who interned in the team a few years ago. She told me that many interns who decided to stay with the team are now certified private investigators. This made me curious about the work and day-to-day activities." 

As a Forensics and Financial Crime graduate, Helen says her favourite part about her job "is knowing that from a big-picture view, I am impacting society and our clients positively."

Helen loves the flexibility that PwC offers. For her, it means “that 'working' looks different to me every day depending on my situation or circumstance. For example, I have personal training lessons every Tuesday, so I will opt to start work early or finish late to make up the time. And if I need a change of scenery, I can work from the library, office, or even my parents' place!" 

This flexible nature has dispelled some myths about working in big firms like ours. Helen finds that she benefits from choosing her hours and work location as it allows her to accommodate her personal life, increase productivity and balance her mental health needs. She thinks that the three most essential parts of utilising flexibility are the balance it creates in her life for: 

• Managing work-life commitments 
• Increasing her productivity
• Finding space to clear her head and prioritise her mental health 

We support our people's mental health in lots of different ways. Some Firmwide policies that support mental health and well-being include:

• Together Anywhere Program - With lockdowns ending and borders opening, we know flexibility is now the norm. We're hearing loud and clear that our people would like to combine work with travel to spend time with family and friends within Australia and overseas. Our new Together Anywhere program will let you work up to 4 weeks remotely in Australia or overseas (subject to working rights).
• Green Light to Talk Program - Mental health is an issue that touches so many of us. Positive mental health begins with an open culture where we can all feel comfortable talking about it. We're proud to be part of Green Light to Talk, a movement that began in our U.K. firm. The movement is all about dialling up our dialogue around mental well-being.
• Psychological Well-being Service - Life has its ups and downs. We get that. We have our free-of-charge, confidential coaching and psychological well-being service for you and your immediate family members. The C.A.R.E. Program aims to provide an avenue for our employees and their immediate family members to access confidential counselling & advice to assist them when they experience stressful events, times, or situations or deal with overwhelming emotions.
• Gym & Fitness Discounts - Whether you have a goal of running a marathon or just want to dip your toe into fitness, we support you! With our incredible fitness and gym partners, you can save money and look after yourself!

Learn more about being a PwC graduate

Meet Harry Rosengren, who has experienced all that PwC has to offer in their Early Careers space. Harry started at PwC as a vacationer, then moved into being a trainee and now begins his journey as a graduate. His experience has been one of growth and pathways thus far. 

Tell us your PwC story. How did you get here? Where are you now?

I first joined PwC in November 2021 as a Summer Vacationer. I was in the penultimate year of my Finance and Accounting degree at Macquarie University. I wanted a role that could facilitate growth in my industry knowledge and skills through working in a client-facing role with industry professionals. My vacationer program was 7 weeks, in which I learnt a lot about the accounting industry and corporate life. 

Following the vacationer program, I was fortunate enough to be kept on by PwC as a Trainee in my final year of university, in which I worked part-time, 3 days a week. It wasn't easy juggling my last year of uni with part-time work and trying to keep a social life, but it taught me strides in time management and organisation skills. 

As I graduate from uni, I am excited to continue through the PwC pathways and join the 2023 Graduate Program.

What initially attracted you to PwC? Now that you're here, what makes your work at PwC different?

For me, it was the people and coaching. From discussions with my peers, PwC had a fantastic reputation around the level of coaching and development poured into vacationers and graduates. So it was a matter of asking myself, "Do I want to learn from the best accountants in Australia?". And the answer was a resounding "Yes!"

Over a year into my employment at PwC, I would still very much agree with my initial stance. I have received outstanding coaching and mentorship throughout my time. 

However, some of my greatest moments working have been where I have dared to be independent, to work things out myself and to challenge myself. The responsibility and flexibility in "how" you work has been one of the most fantastic attractions to me. Many leaders at PwC understand that coaching and teaching aren't always about telling you the "right" answer but instead letting you solve problems and challenge yourself.

What support has PwC provided you to find new career pathways?

Through my journey and having three roles in my short time at PwC, there has obviously been enormous support surrounding me and my development in my future career path. 

There are so many teams and business units in PwC. There really are endless opportunities that will meet anyone's needs. I have been fortunate to land in a team that I love, but I have also seen firsthand that the team aims to place people into positions where they can thrive and develop them for their future endeavours.  

More than that, my time at PwC has given me much support in my career development. PwC has allowed significant growth in my career by exposing me to more challenging tasks, all whilst receiving strong coaching and support.

How has your career/work changed over time?

Whilst my career is new, and I am only right at the beginning, I have already seen enormous strides in confidence and ownership in my work. 

The amount of support, coaching and development provided by PwC has significantly improved my output in the workplace. One key piece for me was understanding that feedback is crucial to improvement; that has allowed me to take ownership of the work I produce to get real-time feedback and coaching into what I can improve on and require moving forward. 

This has only been possible from the emphasis PwC puts on its people and career progression. I am excited to see how my career and work changes over the coming years with the support of the great people at PwC.

What one piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

One piece of advice to my younger self would be to say "Yes". The number of people, experiences, and opportunities has exponentially increased since I started saying "Yes" to most things. From coffee catch-ups to tasks at work, say "Yes" to it all (within reason, of course). 

Saying "Yes" will put you in contact with people you wouldn't think you'd meet or get you doing tasks that you maybe thought you couldn't do. It has been the greatest way to increase my network, knowledge and confidence. It may put you in uncomfortable positions sometimes, but that is the root of growth, and it will allow you to discover what you're good at and where you need to improve.

Learn more about our Early Career programs