There’s science behind the deal

Belen Rabadan | Electromechanical Engineering

Do you think having a degree in electromechanical engineering is relevant to the world of Deals? What are some of the benefits you have experienced?

After five years working in Deals at PwC Spain, I am certain that having a major in STEM has been an advantage for my career. Even though it is always daunting when starting a new career, after my first weeks at PwC, I soon realised that the skills I developed and the experiences I had during college would boost my work performance.

In Deals, we work in project teams with tight deadlines. I was used to working like this at college. I had already developed project management skills such as planning, communication, time management and leadership. These skills have been beneficial during my day-to-day work.

Also, during my college years, I learned several programming codes, making it easier to use the data tools I currently work with as we wrangle data and visualise it in innovative ways. I believe that using a tech-enabled approach, developing compelling arguments and presenting data in a meaningful, impactful, and accessible ways are competencies needed when working in Deals

In addition, being a STEM graduate, I developed early industry knowledge and experience that have proved helpful in client projects. I have a major in electromechanical engineering, and the energy sector is what I'm currently specialising in. Due to my background, it was easy for me to understand how this industry works and the processes in various departments. As a result, I can relate to clients in this sector in a way that others who don't have this insight can't. I am the 'go-to' person when others have queries about this sector; that gives me an edge!

To sum up, if you have a STEM background, do not hesitate to work with us! PwC will find a fit for you.

Avishi Saxena | Physics

What prompted you to apply for a career in Deals and not a pure STEM career?

I have always been fascinated by Physics, but, after completing my degree, I wanted to work with a range of businesses and industries such as Life Sciences, Energy, and Health & Pharmaceuticals. A career in Deals means having that ideal middle ground between science and business across various industries, especially with a career in ESG.

When you applied to work in Deals, did you think having a STEM degree would be relevant to the work you would be doing? What has changed for you?

I had always thought that my STEM background could only provide me with scientific or mathematical skills. I was still determining how relevant this would be for a career in Deals. Whilst this is true, I have realised that STEM has also equipped me with analytical and reasoning skills. It has helped me understand client asks using a logical and structured approach. The analytical and reasoning skills, combined with people skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication, have provided a solid foundation to build a career in Deals.

What advice would you give to other women considering a career in Deals?

As clichéd as it sounds, I would advise having confidence in yourself! There will be times when you’ll be in the minority, but it’s key to remember that that does not impact your right to have a seat at the table and voice your opinions. Confidence also goes beyond just technical capabilities. Having the confidence to communicate my priorities (both work and non-work related) is equally, if not more beneficial.

Bridget Kiyondi | Forensic Science

Why did you decide to have a career in Deals?

My passion is in forensics which is why I chose Forensic Science as my degree. I’m currently working as a Forensic and Business Recovery Services Solutions consultant. My work involves helping businesses prepare, respond and emerge stronger from unplanned events such as fraud, economic crimes, crises and third-party risk.

Having a STEM background has enabled me to use my logical reasoning, strong analytical skills and love for maths to plan and execute my work. It has also allowed me to be versatile with technology in a traditional finance environment. Given that technology today is heavily embedded within the day-to-day operations of any organisation, having this knowledge has been crucial for me to adequately support our clients as they mitigate various financial crime risks. I have also employed this knowledge in the Forensic Technology Solutions practice.

I believe that STEM is imperative to Deals, where analytical problem solvers and individuals who are adaptable are highly valued. We bring a new dimension to a team.

How has Edge prepared you for success in Deals?

The PwC Edge programme has accelerated my growth within the PwC's Deals practice. Although I was originally part of the Forensics Business Unit, as part of Edge, I had an opportunity to rotate across other parts of Deals and collate experiences working across the entire Deals lifecycle. The networking opportunities presented by the program have also been incredible.

What would you say to a STEM graduate thinking about joining Deals?

For any STEM graduate considering joining Deals, I would say, “do it!” You have plenty of transferable skills and your way of thinking will actually help you thrive in Deals.

Alex Ansuh-Amponsah | Mechanical Engineering

How does your engineering background translate to the work you do in Deals?

What we do is very fast paced. Working in Financial Decisions and Analysis and having a STEM background means that I usually don’t have to worry about the computational side of the things we do.

In Deals you need to be able to think about processes, apply methodologies and think quickly using quantitative information. Being able to analyse the meaning of charts or finance reports is important, but in terms of summarising, collating and finding trends, STEM naturally sets you up to think that way, so I spot trends faster. I learn data analytics tools very quickly and if I do need support with some of the financial fundamentals there are always people to help.

My STEM background has given me the confidence to point things out and the reassurance that I know what I’m doing.

What is your experience in completing a professional qualification given that you have an engineering background?

I didn’t find the Professional Qualification too daunting; revising for exams in a short time frame and doing a lot of calculations are things that I was used to from engineering. The difficult part was more qualitative, learning the tax code, certain law fundamentals and business best practices - essentially the rewiring towards a Business and Finance mindset.

Having a STEM background, however, meant that I could focus on those sections as I was able to take my computation and calculation skills for granted.

Simone Monico | Management Engineering

Why did you decide to apply to the PwC Edge programme?

I chose my degree in Management Engineering because I love quantitative subjects. I decided however, that I wanted a career in Finance rather than a pure STEM career and in fact when I did my masters I concentrated on Finance. I realised that a career in Deals would allow me to couple my analytical/numerical skills, for example modelling, with my finance skills such as accounting.

In deciding where to follow my career, the PwC Edge programme appealed to me as it has standing, is flexible and it afforded me the opportunity to do rotations and therefore gain experience across the Deals cycle. As a result, I have experienced working in more than one team having completed rotations in Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Recovery Services, and Valuations.

Would you recommend the Edge Programme to other STEM graduates?

Absolutely! If you also have a passion for finance, then don’t hesitate. You’ll benefit from having the opportunity to mix with a wide range of enthusiastic people coming from a multitude of different backgrounds and cultures.