Hannah Gao - Associate, X-Venturer

University: Michigan State University (Bachelor); Johns Hopkins University (Master)
Profession: Bachelor: Marketing, Media and Information; Master: Marketing, Information Systems
Time of joining the X-Venturer programme: October 2019
Motto: Logic will get you from A to B, imagination will take you everywhere

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

Many of my talented friends chose PwC to start their career. Their decision inspired me to pay close attention to the firm’s official website, and the X-Venturer programme attracted me greatly when I began job hunting. I was fortunate enough to be selected for this programme by applying through the China Sourcing Initiative.

Q2: Why were you interested in the X-Venturer programme?

The programme is unique as it provides us with the opportunity to rotate to different lines of services (LoS). I believe that being mastered in one field is essential, but it is also critical to have at least some basic understanding in multiple professional fields. The X-Venturer programme definitely could enable us to develop into versatile talents.

The programme also enables me to set a more accurate and clear positioning about my future career path as I could find out which LoS is the most suitable for me during the rotation.

It was very exciting for me to just imagine how amazing the journey would be.

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

I have been an X-Venturer for 10 months. Up until now, my rotation experience includes both Tax and Assurance.  I was very fortunate to meet many kind colleagues who supported and guided me to become a new professional.  During my rotation in Tax, I had the chance to experience how our firm values innovation when I participated in several projects involving the tax system which was independently developed by our firm. In my rotation at Assurance, I learnt how to present high quality deliverables effectively and efficiently.  The experiences and lessons that I gained in each round of the rotation could not be described in just a few paragraphs.

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

Absolutely. I am always open to new adventures and challenges.

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

I would say I grew beyond my expectations. During my journey as an X-Venturer, I got the chance to cooperate with professionals in different fields and meet with clients from diverse industries. Every new project opened a door for me to learn more about the essence of our programme and how we achieve our firm’s core values. I also got used to acquire professional knowledge and skills fast and thoroughly within limited time so that I did not waste the valuable opportunities that the X-Venturer programme offered me to truly understand each LoS. The rotation stimulates my potential in integrating and applying what I have learnt from different fields.

In addition, the programme enables me to connect with colleagues and coaches across different LoS. They are always supportive in helping me to set a solid career foundation. They also helped me to build a mindset with multiple perspectives as they share their profound knowledge, industry experience, and insights. They set the examples and act as role models for me through their utmost professionalism.

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

Join us! Start your own adventure and appreciate the journey as much as the destination.