A special program developed by employees at the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and the nonprofit Diversity Awareness Partnership is teaching youngsters that careers in finance are not strictly for geeks whose work attire consists of starched white shirts and pocket protectors loaded with No. 2 pencils.
The EXPLORE Career Immersion program in accounting began two years ago with the goal of meeting the challenge of growing a diverse workforce in finance and accounting. More than 60 students of color from 12 metropolitan St. Louis public and private high schools completed the fourth session of the program.
“While we hope this program will sway some students to consider the accounting profession, the sessions also offer advice on making the most of their college experience to prepare them for a successful job search after graduation – no matter what profession a student may select,” said John Tvrdik, PwC’s market managing partner. “We have partnered to develop this invaluable opportunity for high school students in St. Louis as a pipeline to potentially change their futures forever.”
According to statistics compiled by the National Association of Black Accountants, there now are more than 100,000 African-Americans in accounting professions, including more than 3,000 certified public accountants.
“EXPLORE Accounting gives students of color valuable exposure to an industry that needs more diversity,” said Reena Hajat Carroll, executive director of the Diversity Awareness Partnership. “We are excited to create career aspiration for these young people by introducing them to accounting activities, mentors and a remarkable company.
“PwC is a wonderful model when it comes to companies that are invested and dedicated to strengthening our region,” Carroll added. “PwC brings the type of enthusiasm and energy to the table that we wish all companies had when addressing diversity and inclusion.”
The program takes place at PwC in downtown St. Louis. Through a variety of activities and discussions, students learn the basics of what accountants do and what it takes to enter the field and be successful – directly from PwC and other industry professionals. They also are introduced to the varied career options available, including public accounting, business entrepreneurship, and working in private industry.
Students also participate in activities that require them to work in teams.
“A critical part of success in public accounting includes the ability to work on high-performing teams that can get the work done,” Tvrdik said. “Many projects often include both independent and group work that comes together to complete the task. As a team, you will demonstrate the behaviors of collaboration, communication and problem solving as you begin this activity.”
Led by Trish Ross, PwC’s campus recruiting leader in St. Louis, this part of the program stresses the importance of working hard from freshman to senior year in college, and how students can make the most of their college experience by building their skills and resume. It also includes a discussion of what PwC and other public accounting firms look for in a campus candidate, as well as the timing of the recruiting process – internship to full-time job search, along with the “dos and don’ts.”
“PwC will continue to foster the program and the other elements of PwC’s commitment to diversity,” Tvrdik said. “Truly achieving diversity requires a long-term, systematic and sustainable focus.”
For more information about the program, contact Lisa A. Diamant, PcW’s market human resources leader, at 314-206-8222 or lisa.a.diamant@us.pwc.com.
