If you want to work at PwC, you don’t necessarily need deep technical skills, but you do need to be able to build strong client relationships.
If you want to work in technology consultancy, there are certain skills you’ll need – first and foremost, you’ll need to be able to build strong client relationships.
Speaking to three PwC employees, we found out what the company would look for in a technology consultant; the skills they would need and the personality traits they should have.
Put simply, a technology consultant advises clients on how to use tech applications and practices to achieve their business objectives.
Therefore, an essential skill would be the ability to build great client relationships and communicate well. “We live and die by our client relationships,” said Dennis Brown, technology consulting senior manager at PwC.
However, Brown said that you wouldn’t necessarily need deep technical skills in order to advise clients. “You’re not going to be cutting code at PwC, but you do need to have a good appreciation of application of technology to solve really complex business issues.”
Technology consulting manager Trish Dineen echoed Brown’s sentiments, stating that the ability to get on with people is the single most important thing they look for when somebody joins PwC. “You’re constantly working with different individuals, you need to be able to build solid relationships with these people to be able to get on in the firm.”
If you feel that you have the communication skills, an aptitude for building solid relationships and an appreciation for tech solutions, then technology consulting could be your dream job.
Interested in working at PwC? Technology consulting senior manager David Stapleton said that the company looks for different things, depending on the route you are on.
“For the experienced hires, we look for somebody who can hit the ground running,” he said. “What we also look for is somebody who has exposure working in a team environment.”
Stapleton said they can generally see those traits from the activities a candidate takes part in, both inside and outside of the work environment. “It’s really a good all-rounder in terms of being able to work with clients, being a trusted adviser … and working in a high-pressure team environment,” he said.
Updated, 3.33pm, 6 April 2017: This article was updated following clarification from PwC.
