What was it about PwC that made you want to join the company?

My first inclination was not to work in public accounting, since I was under the impression that all it required was countless long hours. So I worked in industry for six years, and although I enjoyed it I found that I wanted more daily interaction with clients, to feel like I was being challenged—and most importantly, to feel maximized. So I decided to interview with PwC, and I immediately felt at home. The people made the difference. I got the sense that they enjoyed the challenges that come with resolving complex issues and working in a very fast-paced environment. They stressed the excitement of learning and being challenged on a regular basis. That was consistent with what I was seeking, and so I decided to join the firm. I have been with PwC for five years now. I work in the audit practice specifically on energy clients. I work directly with my clients' management in auditing the companies' external financial statements, evaluating complex transactions, and assessing the adequacy of their internal control processes. An important part of my job is providing solutions to clients that involve identifying individuals within the firm with the right skill sets to resolve specific accounting and auditing matters.

Can you tell us a little bit about the diversity initiative at PwC?

PwC has a national initiative, and each office can customize its program to its individual needs and makeup. Dina Pyron, a Partner, champions the Houston Office Minority Circle, and I serve as one of the leaders of the committee. We call our circle the Houston Diversity Circle ("HDC") because while we stress the development and retention of minorities, non-minority involvement is crucial to the success of the program. HDC is chaired by four committees, each with a role that is vital to the success of the program. First, there is the recruiting committee that brings to campuses across the country a group of individuals depicting the diversity of both our office and our community. They actively recruit highly qualified diverse students and experienced hires, and assist in ensuring a smooth transition into public accounting. Second, there is the education and awareness committee that promotes awareness of different cultures by exploring and celebrating similarities and differences of our people through enhanced communications, special presentations, and ethnic appreciation events. Since our office employs individuals from all over the world, we felt this was needed to address the differences in cultures and customs. Third, there is the mentoring, development and retention committee that focuses on improving the retention and advancement of PwC's minority professionals. Last but certainly not least is our communication committee that is responsible for coordinating with the national and local offices regarding diversity issues and upcoming events.

We also hold various events throughout the year, such as roundtable discussions addressing various aspects of diversity, partner panel discussions that PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS focus on advancement to partnership and other matters, and presentations by outside consultants to address diversity and retention of minorities. In addition, the committees provide the partner group with periodic updates regarding targets and progress. In early August our last presentation to the partner group discussed the demographics of our office for each of the staff levels and the significant progress we have made over last year.

This must be getting across, since PwC is ranked so highly as an ideal employer among minority students all over the country.

That's very good. We're very proud of that fact.

What made you decide to join PwC?

I would have to say the people. Throughout the interview process, the interaction between the recruiting team, professional staff, and students is amazing. From the very beginning you note how PwC is committed to you and the team. I quickly liked the environment and saw myself building a career here. After four and a half years with the firm I still feel the same.

So what's it actually like to work at PwC? A lot of students might be afraid of being small fish in a big pond.

Working at PwC is both challenging and a great learning experience. As you progress in the firm you take on newer projects and responsibilities, increasing your knowledge. I truly enjoy learning something new each day, and I'm always looking for ways to get more involved. As far as being a small fish in a big pond, I can see how you could think that about going to work for a large firm, but I don't think students should be too concerned with that at PwC—from the very beginning you are taught about how important it is to build and maintain relationships, to share knowledge and respect. Our new-hire training teaches us our audit methodology and technology, but also introduces us through all the interaction and teambuilding events to our key values: Teamwork, Excellence, and Leadership. We are all about helping each other and the firm grow, and making sure you do not feel like a small fish in a big pond.

You've recently been promoted to manager. How did that happen?

I believe taking the initiative and welcoming every new responsibility with a positive attitude has got-ten me there. And a drive to excel—each time I'm inspired about doing something, I work hard at it.

What has your personal experience with the company's diversity initiative been like?

It's been great! I truly believe diversity makes a great difference. I recall one of my assignments where there were nine different cultural back-grounds on the team. We learned a great deal from each other, and I believe we were a great team due to the different perspectives we were able to bring to the table.

The environment at PwC embraces diversity. We have several programs that address various diversity initiatives, such as the Minority Scholarship Program, Women's Networking Circles, and Minority Circles. PwC is also very involved with associations like NABA [the National Association of Black Accountants] and ALPFA [Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting]. When it comes to working for PwC on diversity initiatives, I don't consider it work. I really enjoy being part of the recruiting team, and love reaching out to minority students in high school and college. I get to interact with our future generation and teach them a little about the accounting profession and what they need to do to be a part of it. PwC supports my involvement in the COAP program [Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession], sponsored by the NYSSCPA [New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants] and ALPFA. This is one of the reasons I love to be a part of PwC—the company's goals fit with mine for my career and increasing minority representation within the firm. We're highly committed to our diversity programs, and to alliances with other associations outside the company that are also committed to diversity. I am proud to be part of this firm.