From starting her career straight out of university to now being the Market Activation Lead for Managed Services, Ellen Campbell has been a steadfast member of the PwC network, embracing opportunities for growth throughout her years. In this article, she reflects on her career transitions, her non-negotiables for work and life, and the excitement of building something new.
Can you share how your career began at PwC and what drew you to join right after university?
My journey with PwC started while I was still at university. I had a passion for finance and problem solving, and when I heard about another student’s placement year in forensic accounting I decided to pursue a role in that space.
I secured a 12-month business placement with PwC UK in London as part of my Business Management degree. That experience was eye-opening. I loved the challenge of investigating complex issues, analysing data to uncover hidden patterns, and working with a diverse team of experts to solve real-world problems. It confirmed for me that forensics wasn’t just fascinating - it was the career path I wanted to pursue.
When the opportunity came to rejoin PwC as a graduate, it was an easy decision. I knew I was stepping into a career and a firm that excited me and aligned with my goals.
After rejoining as a graduate, what were some key experiences, and how did they shape your career journey?
After returning to PwC through the graduate programme, I joined an Audit / Forensic split scheme which allowed me to rotate between these two areas of the business whilst studying for a professional qualification. Although my passion was Forensics, my time in Audit taught me a lot about how businesses operate and gave me direct exposure to clients early in my career.
Training for my Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) qualification was tough. I failed a few exams at the first attempt and I had to learn to quickly bounce back from these setbacks - it taught me resilience and gave me a mindset of perseverance that has shaped my entire career.
Once I qualified, I moved back into Forensics full time and joined the financial crime team. I supported a number of Banks through financial crime transformation projects, that’s when I had my first experience of Managed Services, where I had the opportunity to help run several complex financial crime remediation programmes.
In 2017, I was ready for a new challenge and international experience. When the opportunity to join the Middle East firm came up, it felt like it was the right move. My husband and I packed our bags for Dubai, and the journey has been incredible ever since.
How did you navigate the transition from PwC UK to the Middle East, what unique challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
Transitioning from the UK to the Middle East was both exciting and challenging. Having spent my entire career at one firm, I anticipated some similarities, but the Middle East firm had its own distinct energy and dynamics. What struck me first was the vibrant and diverse environment - a truly international mix of people with a real sense of opportunity.
Overall, relocating to the Middle East has been transformative. It broadened my perspective, provided invaluable international experience, and gave me the opportunity to travel across the region. It wasn’t just a change in location; it was a shift in mindset and personal growth.
You've moved from Assurance to Forensics and now Managed Services. What motivated these transitions, and how have they shaped your career?
My career has been shaped by both strategic choices and natural transitions. While I’ve always been with PwC, I’ve worked across several areas of the business - from Audit to Forensics, and now Managed Services where I lead our Market Activation team. Each role has allowed me to develop new expertise and push my boundaries.
Some opportunities came naturally, while others I actively sought out. Each transition brought its own challenges and growth, but has acted as a stepping stone in broadening my perspective and expanding my network across the firm.
This non-linear path is often less celebrated, but making lateral moves across the firm has been key to my career development, and the variety of experiences has given me a unique perspective and sense of fulfilment as a lifelong PwCer!.
So, what excites you most about this new role, and what can we expect from this project?
What excites me most about my new role in Managed Services is the opportunity to build a new market offering to enable us to support our clients in different ways. It allows us to go beyond advice into action. This hands-on approach allows us to alleviate their operational burdens and deliver real, tangible value to support our clients in achieving their growth and transformation ambitions.
I get to collaborate with a range of Partners across different Lines of Service and from across the broader network of firms. I work with a diverse team to help create solutions to run complex operations for our clients at scale.
I’m excited about the opportunity for Managed Services in the Middle East. During my time in the UK I saw this part of the business grow significantly - the team is now over 4,000 people and it was this potential for growth and the chance to contribute to shaping this area which motivated me to make the switch. Joining this team has been one of the most fulfilling roles in my 14 years at the firm.
What advice would you give to someone aspiring to progress in their career at PwC?
My advice would be:
- Embrace opportunities: Be open to challenges, even if they don’t seem like a perfect fit. Stepping out of your comfort zone often leads to significant growth, unexpected learning and networking.
- Pursue your passion: Explore opportunities beyond a traditional, linear career path. It can broaden your perspective and enhance your skill set. Lateral moves can be valuable, offering a comprehensive understanding of the business.
- Adapt and grow: Use the transferable skills you gain from adapting to new teams or clients. These experiences, though challenging, make you a more well-rounded and effective professional.
- Ask for feedback: Continuously ask for and act on feedback. Regular input from colleagues and clients helps you make practical improvements and reflects on what works well and what could be better.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal life?
Balancing work and personal life involves a few key strategies for me:
- Morning routine: I start my day at 5:30am with a workout, which helps me stay focused and energised. This routine is non-negotiable, even when I’m travelling for work.
- Setting boundaries: I block off 5:00pm to 7:00pm for family time, ensuring I spend quality moments with my kids. I may work later if needed, but this time with my family is essential.
- Flexibility and efficiency: I aim to finish work efficiently so I can leave earlier and be with my family. This approach has made me more productive during work hours.
Overall, having children has made me more intentional about managing my time. While I sometimes need to be flexible, the firm’s flexibility framework supports this balance. My morning workouts and evening family time are integral parts of my routine, helping me maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Ellen’s journey highlights the importance of embracing change and pursuing passions to build a fulfilling career. Learn more about how Managed Services helps businesses move forward faster.
