Timothy Ng - Senior Associate, Deals

University: Imperial College (Masters) and Durham University (Bachelor), United Kingdom
Profession: MSc Investment and Wealth Management, BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance
Time of joining the X-Venturer programme: October 2017
Motto: We don’t grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges.The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.

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

I knew this programme through a friend of mine, who is also an X-Venturer. He recommended me to apply for the programme because of its uniqueness and variety of opportunities in PwC. Therefore I become one of the members of the second batch of the X-Venturer.           

Q2: Why were you interested in this programme?

I became very interested when I knew that I could learn in different aspects of a professional services firm. X-Venturer is a programme that allows you to explore more about PwC and expand your horizon, and above all use your knowledge and skills set in a flexible way. Moreover, X-Venturer enables you to meet colleagues from different lines of service and you can get support from different parties.

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 more than one year. In the past year, I rotated to four different lines of service and worked on special projects, including Assurance, Consulting and Deals. I was also involved in a Workday implementation project.

As an X-Venturer, I have more opportunities than other associates. We can explore the firm’s business process as a whole, equip ourselves with different skills sets, including finance, communication, critical thinking, computing language and presentation skills. When I join other lines of service in the future, I can integrate the skills to work more efficiently and effectively.

Through contributing to different projects, I have met a lot of colleagues and seniors who are willing to coach and give me advice in work. They are willing to offer help whenever I need it.

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

I have the characteristics of an adventurer, such as being open minded, creative and proactive. Getting into a new environment in each rotation is an adventure. Meeting new colleagues, adapting to different working culture and environment help us improve ourselves. Acquiring and utilising new skill set also enhances my agility, which is beneficial to my future career.

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

An X-Venturer enjoys the opportunities that the others might not have. For example, I have experienced the partner shadowing programme, learning summit and Appathon.

During the partner shadowing experience, I had the chance to shadow Mr. Humphrey Choi, PwC’s China, Hong Kong and Asia Pacific Assurance and Services Digitalisation Leader, for a day. The experience helped me gain insight into how PwC integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) into traditional auditing service and explore opportunities in the market.

The learning summit is a unique learning event of the X-Venturer programme. Every time, we work on innovative topics as a team, such as e-sports and even mobile app development.

Appathon is an event where we pitch a business mobile app idea to start-up companies. I had the chance to work with colleagues from different lines of service, negotiate with CEOs of the start-up companies and pitch our ideas to our firm’s partners.  

These activities have enhanced my creativity and sharpened my leadership skills and business sense.

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

X-Venturer is a place for you to explore your opportunities and talents.

Step out of your comfort zone, be open-minded and proactive.

Chase your dream and be a game changer as an X-Venturer!