Here's a Jobinion on PricewaterhouseCoopers

Subject: Good if you fit a certain personality profile.
Date posted: 25th Feb, 2009
Posted by: oldguy
I work(ed) there: Was employed at PricewaterhouseCoopers at the date of posting

Should you think about working at PricewaterhouseCoopers: Maybe, but be prepared to compromise

Here's my Jobinion
If you're a "Type-A" personality, in your early-to-mid 20s, outgoing, assertive, etc., you'll probably do well here. If you're the least bit introverted, older, and interested in having a life out of work, you probably won't. If you are able to intern here, do so, because that will allow you to develop the network you'll need when you begin full-time. You're on your own to develop this network, and if you didn't intern, it's a big hurdle.

There is competition for work, worse now because they're aware they have too many staff. HR is supposed to do scheduling for you, but they don't. Former interns have a big advantage and get most of the work. I spent my first six months here putting together binders, etc. You're basically on your own to find something to do, and try to learn how to do it properly so you can get other tasks later. They make a big deal of their training but most of it has little practical application to what you actually do or need to know in order to complete assignments. You just have to hope that you will be working with someone who is willing to teach you, and who is good at giving instructions [many aren't.] One plus--people are usually pretty understanding about when you need time off to do errands, see family, etc. I plan on leaving after my first year, sooner if I find a new job. My personality isn't right for this place, and I haven't been able to develop enough of a professional network to really accomplish anything here, most likely due to my age and due to my being somewhat introverted. The firm doesn't really care---they expect only 20% to stay more than a few years anyway. It's that type of environment.

Comments

Hey, why don't you login and leave a comment?

Posted by: oldguy
Date: 26th Feb, 2009
I've actually already interviewed for an accounting-related job with the federal government, and hope to hear something soon. I feel confident that things will turn out okay--if not the government job, then something else.
Posted by: BadConsultant
Date: 25th Feb, 2009
*** I plan on leaving after my first year, sooner if I find a new job. My personality isn't right for this place ***

That sounds pretty desolate - I'm sorry to hear it. Get centred on what you want to do, mobilise the world to make it happen and then step into your potential.

Thanks for being part of the community here - tell your friends; together, we're telling it like it is and changing the working world!

BC
Posted by: oldguy
Date: 25th Feb, 2009
I'm reaching the end of my mid-thirties, turning 37 this summer. For someone in an entry level accounting job I'm pretty old, though there are a few others my age or older.

I'm sure they have a diversity policy, and I don't believe what I'm encountering is age discrimination per se--with a few very minor exceptions [I notice that I generally don't get invited to help out with recruiting unless the interviewee is a non-traditional student.] I think it's more on a subconscious level.
Posted by: BadConsultant
Date: 25th Feb, 2009
Hmmmm... Interesting. Was there, by any chance, a diversity policy that covered age discrimination? And, er, without asking the obvious question, what does 'old' translate to? Sub-35?

BC