Edward

Tell us a bit about yourself outside of work – what do you like to do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies/interests/sports – we’d love to know.

I play a variety of sport; swimming, running, cycling and tennis. I’m best at tennis but enjoy swimming the most! I enjoy going out and meeting friends in London.

How many applications did you submit for a graduate job? How many interviews did you attend?

It was a few applications for an internship and I applied for around four graduate roles in my final year at university.

What was the most difficult interview question you have been asked and how did you answer?

How many buses there are in London was the question and I showed them my logic thinking then came up with a final number. It was fun.

Were you open about your disability during the application process? What support was provided to you?

Yes, I made them aware that I was deaf from the start. I shared exact details around my needs once I passed all the tests. I contacted HR to request a sign language interpreter and it was provided to me without issues. This was the same throughout each round of the interview – I think I had around five rounds. It was an enjoyable experience. MyPlus gave me the confidence to disclose my disability from the start.

What led you to this role? Why did you choose to join this organisation?

I tried out a variety of roles and I was attracted to Business Restructuring Services due to its long-term prospects and the ACA qualification (look it up – always useful to have!).

Tell us a bit about the type of work you’re doing at the moment; what are your day-to-day tasks?

It is a variety of tasks and no day is ever the same. Here is a short summary; report writing, calls / team meetings, creating financial models, reviewing financial information / models and business development activities.

How do you manage your disability at work?

I have a group of British Sign Language interpreters that work with me and due to COVID-19 technology has improved a lot so now I also rely on automated captioning provided by Google Meet.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The people and the challenges. You never stop learning and there are always opportunities to rotate around the firm. For instance, I am currently on secondment to the Technology, Media, Telecoms (TMT) Valuations team and it has been a fun learning experience so far.

What was it about your job/organisation that surprised you when you first started?

How big the organisation is! They have an office in almost every big city in the UK – always handy when you are visiting home or friends.

What aspect of the job have you found most difficult to manage? Is this affected by your disability?

Pre-COVID, I would say preparing my interpreters for complicated jargon, but I have come up with an efficient system to overcome this and it has worked well so far.

What is your organisation’s approach to disability; how has your employer helped you to do well at your workplace?

They have been very open and inclusive. Every time I asked for a reasonable adjustment they have provided them. This is one of PwC’s many strengths.

What has been your proudest achievement since starting work?

Passing all ACA exams first time and getting the qualification. Harder than it sounds!

Tell us about a personal strength or a valuable plus which you have developed, as a result of your disability. How has it helped you in your career?

Learning how to overcome obstacles – this skill has been invaluable for coming up with solutions to every problem I’ve faced in each project at work.

What do you wish you knew when you were at university?

How important networking is.

What advice would you give a student with a similar disability, who wants to pursue a career in the field you work in

Reach out to MyPlus and ask what events you can join. This way you will meet people with different disabilities and other disabled professionals. There will be an opportunity to put yourself in front of a recruiter at certain events. MyPlus has been invaluable to my career and I would highly recommend it to any disabled students looking to get their foot in the door. If you ever need a chat or any further tips – I am happy to be contacted through LinkedIn (name is Edward Reveley on there).

Edward has since left PwC and now works at Ares Management.

I don’t think I would’ve had the career I have had, including work for Barclays, UBS and PWC, if I hadn’t found MyPlus Students’ Club & your events.  A big thank you! – Edward