For more than 25 years, PwC has been a top hiring employer at the Kelley School of Business. PwC has not only become a regular presence in classroom lectures, mock interviews, and career fairs, but the Big 4 professional services firm has sponsored and supported a wide variety of inclusive recruiting initiatives and educational events.
“PwC has a long history of equity and inclusion support at Kelley that predates many of our programs today,” said Kara Hieser, senior director of development and corporate engagement at Kelley. “Their willingness to support and help launch these initiatives at Kelley is a testament to their commitment to this work, and it is evident in their company culture.”
The impact of the firm is felt all over the Kelley School. PwC’s support of the FUTURES mentoring initiative over the last decade has provided mentorship for newer underrepresented students by juniors and seniors and is critical to fostering a community where all students are supported, encouraged, and mentored in their early years at Kelley. Another valuable community at Kelley is the Undergraduate Business Diversity Council, a student organization that the firm provides volunteers and support for throughout the year. PwC also supports students before they arrive at Kelley as a long-time participant in the MEET Kelley pre-college summer program for high-ability students from historically underrepresented groups. MEET introduces students to the Kelley School of Business, engages them in a professional business case competition and, ultimately, encourages them to consider transitioning to Kelley after high school. In line with their commitment to advance equity for everyone in the workplace, PwC has consistently supported Kelley on women’s initiatives, as a founding member of the Kinsey-Kelley Center for Gender Equity in Business, a 10-year supporter of the Women’s Empowerment Conference, and an annual supporter of Kelley Women in Business.
While the priority for PwC is to see Kelley students benefit from the firm’s support, PwC leaders also say the extensive interactions with the Kelley School helps them recruit high-quality students from all backgrounds who can join PwC teams across the country.
Angela Konkle, PwC Firm Relationship Partner, shared “As a firm, we’re focused on solving important problems and helping our clients drive sustained outcomes. Kelley students share that same focus and drive, and their diverse experiences and perspectives enable our PwC teams to continue growing and thriving.”
Kelley students attend a career fair which included PwC.
Working closely with the Kelley Office of Diversity Initiatives, PwC has attracted highly qualified Kelleys for many years, building a strong alumni network of more than 600 Kelley alumni who currently work at the firm. Some of the most rewarding PwC relationships are with student organizations, where volunteers from the firm can provide mentorship, share industry knowledge, and contribute crucial financial support.
Holly McKenzie, Consulting Champion, says “People are at the heart of our firm, and their passions and communities both inside and outside of PwC are what makes them who they are. Engaging with Kelley students and giving back to campus organizations helps fulfill those passions, while also helping support these future leaders and innovators.”
As a large firm attracting and mentoring students from one of the largest business schools in the country, PwC recruiters say it’s beneficial that the two share similar values, working hard to bring them to life through each interaction.
PwC prioritizes opportunities to offer feedback and coaching to students. While not every student they reach will go on to work at PwC, recruiters recognize the importance of supporting all students toward their career goals.
Jay Grothause, PwC Campus Recruiter, shared “No matter their career path, Kelley students have the potential and power to drive impact, change and innovation. Whether we’re helping students or our own people grow, we focus on providing them with the support, experiences and connections they need to maximize their opportunities.”
Leave a Reply