Transformative Trek: Pathways in Education Cohort Travels to PwC Boston

The Office of Access, Collaboration, and Engagement for Success (ACES) at the Isenberg School of Management recently sponsored 18 students from the 2023 and 2024 Pathways in Education cohort on a trip to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) in Boston. Students gained exposure to corporate account management and operations, explored office amenities, and networked with Isenberg alumni.

The day kicked off with a warm welcome from PwC including breakfast and a networking session highlighting insights from PwC professionals from various corporate pathways in a “career impact” panel. Students enjoyed a catered lunch session with further opportunities to connect with PwC representatives.

"I am PwC"—a presentation led by PwC professionals—gave students the chance to hear real-world career stories. The presentation provided students with the opportunity to ask questions and learn from employees about their journey to PwC.

"Being at PwC was a great way to learn about the transition from school to work,” said first-year accounting major Jay Jackson. “Doing so allowed me to look forward to what I will be able to experience when I enter the field of accounting, and hopefully I will be able to connect with the people and find myself in a place where I feel comfortable working."

The cohort was offered a guided exploration of PwC’s modern workspace dubbed the “impact zone.” Students explored key departments, amenities, and innovative spaces. Sophomore accounting major Leslie Sanchez valued this opportunity and to make connections with Isenberg alumni at PwC.

“I found my visit to PwC to be truly beneficial,” said Sanchez. “I found the discussions with PwC staff who were Isenberg alumni helpful, which allowed me to find a connection with those who recently graduated from Isenberg. I enjoyed viewing the beautiful building—but I also saw how a great corporate enterprise supports its workforce. This was eye-opening for me.”

Austin Ambroise, first-year finance major shared similar sentiments: “Key takeaways for me from this experience are the emphasis on staying engaged and proactive in professional development settings and being open to expanding your professional network.”

Jesenia Minier-Jennings, assistant dean for the Office of ACES, said that getting a look at global enterprise gives undeclared students a chance to see all the possibilities available to them—and that kind of experience can guide their career choices.

“My team and I want to prepare the cohorts on what lies ahead in their sophomore, junior, and senior years,” said Minier-Jennings. “Visits like to PwC in Boston give an informed picture of corporate enterprises at a leading professional services firm.”

The Office of ACES will offer future cohorts the opportunity to explore a variety of corporate enterprises and continue to provide exposure to discussions surrounding leadership development, group dynamics, networking, and ethics related to academic disciplines.

• Learn more about the Offices of ACES: https://www.isenberg.umass.edu/aces