BSc Accounting and Finance, 2011
Senior Associate, PwC
Please describe your career path to date
I joined corporate finance with PwC after graduation and worked primarily for public sector clients in health and transport, with clients such as the Department for Transport and the NHS. I'm involved in advising clients on transactions, policy shaping around the structures and funding for infrastructure projects and considering financial implications of these policies.
Has your career path developed as you planned?
Yes - I am now a chartered accountant and as part of my career development I’m taking on more responsibilities to manage teams in exciting projects. I’m also developing technical knowledge in a sector which is instrumental to the future of the UK economy.
Why did you choose this job?
Infrastructure is very tangible - it's exciting to know that when the deal closes there will be a new hospital or rail rolling stock which will serve millions of people for decades to come!
What do you like most about your job? Is there anything that you dislike?
It can be quite stressful during pinch points in the project - however this doesn't occur often and is quite predictable. I love that my work gives me the flexibility and independence to work in the way I want to, either at home or at work, coming in early or late. This allows me to perform better than if I was bound in a way that doesn't suit me.
What career plans do you have for the future?
I'm fascinated by infrastructure - given its importance to the economy. And how we can solve the issue without going down the public funding route as government budgets are stretched - it looks like a big growth area and has room for lots of creative solution. I would stay in the industry and perhaps consider switching from an advisor role to a sponsor role at some point in the future.
Thinking back, why did you choose your degree subject and why did you choose LSE?
It's a practical, technical degree which would be useful in any sector or industry, and LSE has the best reputation in the world for humanities.
How has your time at LSE helped you so far in your career?
LSE's academic approach was rigorous and technical - a lot of the theories I learnt apply regularly to the line of work I'm in.
What advice would you give to prospective or current LSE students?
Have a good, long think about the kind of lifestyle you'd want in your career - for me it was important to be intellectually stimulated whilst having a flexible lifestyle, and there are a range of employers to choose from who offer very different things. As you also have to work with a range of people and personalities, joining societies can be a sociable and relaxed way to learn to adapt to different people and make friendships that can last.
Overall, how do you look back on your LSE experience?
Learnt so many useful technical things from very knowledgeable lecturers - wish I'd made more use of it when I was there!