Be Open-minded, Agile with Change and Practical

The title of this post is an example of the fourth 'PwC Behavior,' 'We Enhance Value (through Quality). While we are no strangers to frequent change in the accounting/auditing industry, the importance of being agile with change and open-minded has become increasingly important in light of the recent economic times. Since the fourth quarter of 2008, the staff and partners at PwC have not only seen dramatic changes within our clients' businesses, we have also experienced such change within our own firm. These past few months have been some of the most difficult economic times that many of us have seen - even for those who have been in the workforce for 30 or more years. Rather than buckling under the pressure, we have worked together as a firm and truly embraced change agility so as to pull together and maintain our position in the marketplace.

PwC was recently named number 58 on Fortune Magazine's '100 Best Companies to Work For.' The reason? Dennis Nally, PwC U.S. Chairman stated "We have no plans to downsize, rightsize, or reduce our staffing levels." Keeping true to the Firm's people strategy, the top firm leaders realize the value that has been invested in each of the firm's 30,000 staff and partners. Rather than jumping to the easy solution of lay-offs, the Firm has implemented innovative cost-cutting methods in an attempt to keep all of our jobs safe. Through May 2009, the Firm announced that as a result of these efforts, a total of $213 million has been saved to date. While we may no longer be able to find our favorite pen in the office supply room, we can rest easy knowing that the Firm is doing all it can to be a key player in the marketplace and keep our jobs secure.

While 'accountant' might not typically come to mind when you hear the word 'creative,' we have all seen just how creative we must be in times like these. PwC continues to understand the importance of innovation in these tough times and has recently named a Chief Innovation Officer to oversee such initiatives, like understanding our firm's carbon footprint. In fact, you can follow PwC's progress on these initiatives at the newly created site www.pwc.com/innovate.

So, the next time you're faced with a challenge that seems insurmountable, rather than collapsing under the pressure, be agile! An open mind, teamwork and a little creativity goes a long way - PwC has proven that!

Making Your Mark at PwC

One of the things I have most enjoyed during my 6 year career at PwC is the opportunity I have had to make my mark on the Firm and on the Pittsburgh office. Anytime I have had an idea or wanted to try something new, I have been able to find a way to make it happen. The opportunities range from something as simple as planning a bowling event for your engagement team to career building activities such as planning, developing, and teaching a lunch and learn training in your local office. The team on one of my largest clients is particularly active in getting together as a team outside of work. Each week, someone on the team comes up with an idea for an activity to do together after work one night. Some of the activities we have already done are movie night, pizza and bowling, racquetball, going to a spa, playing touch football, or hanging out at someone's house. We are also in the process of planning other activities such as a golf outing, going to a driving range, and mini-golf (every seems into the golf theme right now as weather is getting nice).

One event that I am particularly proud of was when I was a co-chair for a committee that planned an office Coaching Day. The day consisted of events such as trainings on how to give and receive feedback, presentations on the Road to Manager and the Road to Senior Associate, a sundae bar, and a prize raffle. Everyone had a great time at the event and I felt a sense of satisfaction and pride after all of the hard work that our team had put into it.

The next great opportunity that I am going to be taking advantage of, is a two year secondment to Australia. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to be part of another culture and grow personally as well as professionally. I plan on blogging regularly about my experiences while in Sydney so look for those posts to start later this summer.

This blog itself is one example of how one of our interns (who is now an associate), Dustin Batholomeo-Damon, made his mark on PwC in a very short amount of time. He had an idea and took advantage of the resources available to make it happen. How have you or will you make your mark on PwC? I would love to hear other's experiences and ideas on how to stand out and be a part of the PwC Experience.