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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.
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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?
"The international experience during my secondment was so rewarding that it was agreed that I stay longer."
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."
"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."
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.
If this career opportunity interests you, select your location in EMEA or Asia Pac from the participating territories below to learn more or apply. If your territory isn’t listed, choose the nearest one.