Urban Synergy delivered their first Corporate Insight Day at PwC’s office in Birmingham, for PwC’s ‘One Firm One Day.’ 22 sixth form students aged 16-17 years (Year 12) attended from Aston Manor Academy and King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls.
Urban Synergy’s Head of Programmes, Dianne Johnson, and CEO Leila Thomas welcomed the students and introduced students to PwC partner Becky Clayton who talked about her interesting career journey. The event was co-hosted by PwCs Valuations Manager Sarmad Javaid and Associate Abby Flynn. Students also got to hear about career journeys, skills needed and top tips from a career role model panel that Dianne interviewed:
- Sayonee Garg - Manager Valuations
- Keri Clark - Finance Associate
- Stephen Richardson - DIA Transactions Apprentice
- Dillon Makhecka - Graduate Business Programme Associate
Followed by lunch and a speed mentoring session with PwC volunteers from other departments sharing career insights. The students also had a session with Steven Yates, Internal Audit Senior Manager, specialising in Digital Transformation and Data & Analytics about Artificial Intelligence it’s drawbacks/benefits and where it can be applied at PwC. Students then got the inside track on early career opportunities with PwC, entry routes to the company and how and when to apply with Samuel Ubido. Students also got to meet another partner at PwC, Dave Walters - Partner, Accounting Consulting Services who also shared his career journey.
Student feedback
41% of students were not aware of PwC before attending the event
94% feel more confident about their future
94% learned what skills are valued in the workplace
94% students learned about a career they were not aware of before
“This event was quite interactive. Lots of different employees to engage with and they provided valuable information.”
“I’ve learnt a lot about working in this sector by being physically here, which I wouldn’t have by reading or watching a video. I’ve had a very positive experience.”
“I enjoyed the speed mentoring part as I was able to get strongly relevant information needed to create a clearer plan of what I am aiming to get from a career in finance.”
“I got better insight into careers at PwC and also the application process.”
