NYC, PwC, and Me
By Kathleen Manyloun
At the end of January 2025, I, along with 15 other students from the Honors Business Association, had the unique opportunity to travel to New York City. Along with exploring Manhattan Chinatown, searching for the best New York Bagel (still searching!), and watching the Broadway masterpiece, Cabaret, we had the exciting chance to visit top finance, consulting, and tech firms, including KeyBanc, EY Parthenon, PwC, Accenture, and Meta. Among these visits, PwC stood out––not just for its breathtaking office views of the New York City skyline, but for the invaluable advice shared by UT alumni who now work there. As I strutted out of the PwC building, I carried with me not only new career insights but also renewed excitement for the opportunities ahead.
During our time visiting PwC, we got the chance to talk to UT alumni across the assurance, tax, and advisory sectors. One of the defining aspects of PwC’s culture regardless of sector is its strong emphasis on mentorship. Every employee has access to a career coach to help guide them through their professional journeys, ensuring they feel supported while working at PwC. Another unique aspect of PwC is its commitment to well-being. Employees live by the motto “Be well, work well,” with initiatives like a company-wide point system on Apple Watches to encourage fitness and wellness.
A major takeaway from our visit was the strong sense of community and inclusivity within PwC. Despite its large size, the firm stimulates meaningful connections among employees. After wandering through the bustling streets of New York, I wondered how adults made friends in such a congested city––especially adults with busy work schedules. Daniela Serrano, a Cyber, Risk, and Regulatory Associate and 2023 UT graduate, shared how the Inclusion Networks have helped her feel less alone and build close connections. She highlights that “It’s a big company, but you will find your people and space.”
Beyond learning about their work, we also received valuable career advice. Eric Rosenfeld, a PwC Tax Director and 2015 UT graduate, offered a fresh perspective I had never considered: “Dive in and be the one to learn new technology. Lean into those experiences, and it will propel your career.” In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, his advice extends beyond the business industry. His words made me reflect on the idea that learning does not stop after college; rather, continuously challenging yourself and adapting to new technological advancements is essential for long-term success in any career.
The visit concluded with an open networking session, where we had the chance to connect with alumni one-on-one. I had the privilege of speaking with Bianca Hill, a Management Consulting Senior Associate and 2020 McCombs graduate. When asked what her biggest piece of advice for college freshmen business majors is, she emphasized the importance of attending career and networking events: “You never know how they might help you in the future.” I have followed her advice closely and attended various networking events since then.
Our visit to PwC was not only informative but also incredibly inspiring to see people who were once in my shoes––sitting in UT classrooms, stressing about their future careers––now thriving at one of the top firms in New York City. Hearing their stories and seeing their success firsthand made my path ahead feel more tangible and motivated me to persevere. It reminded me that while the journey may be rocky and challenging, success, like the city of New York, never sleeps. Maybe one day, I too will have a fancy office of my own with a dazzling New York City skyline view.
