Ellen Ma - Associate, X-Venturer

University: Indiana University Bloomington
Profession: Kelley School of Business
Time of joining the X-Venturer programme: January 2018
Motto: Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.

Q1: How did you come to know the X-Venturer programme?

When I first joined PwC in September 2018, I knew nothing about X-Venturer and was not a part of it as I applied through the CSI programme instead. After I joined the firm, I got to know a lot of excellent colleagues who were members of the X-Venturer programme. They introduced to me this programme. That’s how I learned about it.

Q2: Why were you interested in this programme?

I was interested in this programme as soon as my colleagues introduced it to me. I had been living in the US all along so I barely knew the working environment and pace in Big Four in China. Meanwhile, I was not sure if assurance in China was the same as what I had learned at school. As a result, I believed the X-Venturer programme could serve as a great platform for me to understand and adapt to different lines of service of an accounting firm here in China.

Q3: How long have you been on the X-Venturer programme? Can you share your adventurous journey with us?

I have been in the X-Venturer programme for ten months, during which I have been rotating to Assurance and Tax.

Q4: As ‘X-Venturer’ derives from the word ‘venture’, would you call yourself an adventurer?

I believe so.

Q5: What kind of opportunities do you think the X-Venturer programme offered you? Does it help you grow as expected?

The X-Venturer gives me the chance to join different lines of service, which helps me understand their daily work. At the same time, the programme provides me with more choices so I can choose the most suitable position two years later. This is not a chance for everyone.

I have learned a lot in the past ten months. For example, I knew nothing about China tax before I joined Tax. I started to pick it up when I worked on tax projects. Of course, it would not be possible without the help from my coach and buddies. Then, I could apply the knowledge I had learned when I rotated to Assurance.

Q6: What would you say to candidates who apply for the X-Venturer programme this year?

So far, each decision we have made has its risks and opportunities. If you want to move forward, you will have to bear the stress that comes along. If you want to have more autonomy in your career planning, join us through the X-Venturer programme!