Ioanna Charalmbous: Deals Senior Manager, PwC Cyprus

Interview

Can you talk a little about your role in PwC and describe the team that you work with?

I work for the Real Estate team, which  is made up of professionals from a really diverse range of backgrounds. There are engineers, management consultants, property valuers, data analysts, finance experts and merger and acquisition specialists, who can provide tailor-made solutions to our Real Estate clients in Cyprus.

You studied Mathematics at university. What attracted you to a career in Deals?

I love working with numbers and I am very process orientated. I have strong quantitative and analytical skills and I knew that these would be useful in the Deals environment. I knew that Deals advisers generally work in teams and I wanted to develop my team-working and collaboration skills. Lastly, I knew that a career in Deals would allow me to meet people high up in the hierarchy of any organisation, since these are the decision makers for any transaction or project. I knew that this exposure would be key in my professional development.

What is the best thing about working as a female in a profession traditionally dominated by males?

I’d say that being a working mother in a demanding and challenging environment is the best thing. I am proud to be able to promote a more flexible working environment and to demonstrate to younger generations that a balance can be achieved between work, personal life and maternity/paternity.

What do you attribute your success to?

I am a hard worker and I push for excellence in everything I do. My diverse skill set, and the combination of my Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) qualifications, allow me to be versatile and adaptable in a wide range of Deals assignments. I have a positive and approachable personality that allows me to establish a good rapport with the members of my team. I am a committed individual who would go the extra mile to produce excellent results and generate business for my firm.

What advice would you give to female or STEM students considering a career in Deals?

Accept the challenge! Every day is different and every project is a new problem to solve. With every resolution, there is a great satisfaction and with every success there is a great reward. A career in Deals can allow you to discover more about the world and meet smart people who will help you pursue your passion and strengthen your belief in yourself.

And finally, what are the top three messages you’d give to graduates interested in Deals?

1. Be brave and set high goals for yourself

2. Teamwork is the key to great achievements

3. Feel comfortable to fail and learn from your mistakes

Click to view Ioanna Charalmbous on LinkedIn