I am currently taking up Internal Auditing at Far Eastern University. One of our second semester requirement as seniors is the 450-hour student apprenticeship program where we will be exposed to our fields.
The advice was to look for a company during the first semester, however, I panicked and it came to a point that I have not yet tried finding one. In a span of less than 2 weeks, I don’t know where to go. I don’t know where to apply.
One of my colleague, who is now a Certified Public Accountant, encourages me to apply at Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Since I look up at him so much, I took his advice.
They only accept resumes that are sent to them online. So I did send them mine (hrd@ph.pwc.com).
It was Friday when I sent my e-mail to them. This was the only chance I got. Monday, I was so worried because I have not received any e-mail or message or call from PwC. Tuesday, I am already losing hope because usually, it will only take 2-3 business days.
I became so paranoid that I stopped doing something productive and I just took a lot of sleep to cover my nervousness.
Next thing I knew, I received a message from Ms. Cheska saying I was qualified for the written and oral interview on Thursday at 10 AM.
Usually, since I am a member of an organization, I don’t settle for just being qualified for the exam and interview because many still fail and does not make it inside even though they passed the exam.
I don’t know what to expect in the exam. If that would be accounting-related then I’m doomed because I was not prepared (ironic because I’m studying it.)
Came Thursday, I woke up really early and offered a little prayer at the Church then took my breakfast at Mcdonalds at 7 AM. Afterwhich, I found myself strolling along Ayala Triangle at 9 AM. I still have to wait for an hour. As I can recall, my hands were perspiring. This is the real deal. This is my future.
Time came and I went inside the Philamlife tower. This was my first time seeing the office of PwC.
The lady in the reception area asked us to log and wait. So, there’s still a waiting game. There were, I think, more than ten of us who will take the exam but only two of us were interns and I only knew she’s also from FEU after the exam.
We were called inside the testing area, it was beside the learning room which is kind of a hallway, so if there are employees who’ll walk pass you, don’t worry, they also went through that situation.
The exam consisted of multiple choices and essays. I cannot elaborate any further. Take it yourself. I can’t also say that it was easy because I was even unsure of my answers.
After the exam, we waited again for our names to be called for the interview. It took about 30 minutes or so. We were seated infront of the elevator and I got so dizzy with so many people going in and out.
Then, a pretty lady came out calling my name. Alright, panic mode, I was going in first. She took me to the 25th floor because that’s where the Human Capital office is. The interview went smooth even though I was shaking.
I think it took us 15-20 minutes to finish the guide questions she have.
Then she said the result will take up to 2-3 working days. Ms. Cheska, my coordinator, will just message or call me if I passed.
According to some blog I have read, the moment they were finish on the interview, they were already told that they got accepted. Same goes with my colleague. I was so disappointed with myself afterwards. Maybe that’s how they reject. They’ll tell you they will call you.
Then, I cannot sleep properly.
Friday morning, I still did not receive any message so I decided to pass my resume to another company because I somehow gave up.
I came back home at 4 PM and rewarded myself with a good nap. At exactly 7 PM, my ringing phone woke me up. At this state, I was the most sabaw human being ever.
The first greetings were very vague until I heard PwC! My blood came rushing through. My heart was pumping really hard.
That was Ms. Cheska who called me asking if I could already start on November 4, 2015. Well, my enrolment was so complicated back then that I told her were not supposed to start before the 23rd. However, she asked me if I want to even though my hours won’t be credited.
I don’t want the opportunity to slip away so I excitedly told her, yes!
I jumped and jumped and silently shout to my extent because I feel so privileged to be part of the firm.
That’s my PwC application journey. Most of the times, something’s worth the wait, time, and effort. 🙂
Ciao,
Capricious Fate
Unconsciously Capricious 