Company: PwC
Date: 2009-06-28
Overall rating: 4/5
Employment status: current

Best Job I could have imagined right out of college.
Pros: If you are leaving college or between undergrad and graduate school I would definitely recommend getting some experience with PwC or one of their competitors.  You will always be surrounded by smart people who can give you excellent guidance in starting your career.  The coaching aspect is a fully integrated part of the work year, and the responsibility of the associates is only to create a short write up of what they have accomplished over a set amount of time.  This write up is then evaluated up the chain of command (usually by one senior associate and one manager) and returned with some clear and relevant items relating to the work that have been exceptional, average according to your peers, and less than expected (if applicable).  This feedback method is used in the evaluations given at year end and used to calculate compensation for the coming year.

  This coaching model as well as the informal coaching received from managers, directors, and partners within the same line of service can prepare anyone for moving up within the organization or moving to a non-consulting role with another company.
Cons: As you have probably heard, there is an attempt made at work/life balance but this is more of an ideal then what is actually put into practice.  Personally, I made the decision to get married shortly before joining the firm, and my decision to dedicate time to my relationship has affected some of my options in regards to growth and development next to my peers.  This is not necessarily limited to PwC by any means, more like the consulting business as a whole, but in order to get the most out of the experience it is best to either not have a relationship as a priority or to have a very understanding and supportive partner who understands that for large parts of the year we have to "live to work" versus "work to live".  Around the office, PwC means "People constantly Working".  You should definitely have this expectation when joining and be prepared for all of the repercussions of this life decision.