Technical expertise is paramount when it comes to succeeding in the accountancy profession. However is that all it takes to be the very best?

When PwC’s people provide audit, tax or advisory services to the firm’s clients, they are doing so while representing PwC’s brand – a brand that is associated not only with being the largest professional services firm in Malta, but also with recruiting and retaining the best and brightest.

PwC’s people are just as well known for their business acumen, fresh perspectives and unwavering ability to build relationships, as they are for their strong technical knowledge.

When developing this type of well-rounded professional, PwC believes in starting early. PwC has a strong presence at sixth forms and at the University of Malta, as well as other academic institutions, where the firm not only sponsors student organisations, such as the recent sponsorship of UOM Racing Club, but is also involved in numerous career-counselling initiatives. An example of such an initiative is an event being organised at the PwC premises this Saturday, which is an excellent opportunity for sixth formers studying accountancy to experience first-hand the career prospects that exist for them in their chosen profession.

During this event, PwC will expose students to two of its most successful programmes: the CareerDeal programme for students studying accountancy at University, and the ACCA full-time study programme for students choosing to embark on an alternative route into the profession.

While these programmes vary in their structure and length, one fundamental value underpins them both: throughout these programmes, PwC aims to develop students in a multi-faceted way. This is done through work exposure, involvement in group activities and corporate social responsibility initiatives as well as through the attendance of business skills sessions, which include topics such as creating impact with clients, delivering effective presentations and debating skills. (The latter is always one of the most entertaining sessions, with some seriously heated debates in progress.)

These aspects of PwC’s programmes aim to develop students’ leadership skills, teamwork abilities and confidence: these are all important attributes which will serve them well in their future careers. Regardless of the route a student chooses to enter the accountancy profession, there is an opportunity for them at PwC, and the diversity of academic backgrounds is embraced.

One word of advice for students looking to embark on a career journey with PwC: think big! Get involved in student organisations, let your personality shine through, be curious, be energised and focus on your academics – however don’t underestimate the importance of developing your softer skills. That is the true definition of a PwC professional.

Students who are studying accountancy at sixth form and would like to learn more about attending the PwC talk this Saturday, or about PwC careers in general, can do so by sending an e-mail to mt-recruit@mt.pwc.com.