This month we are proud to recognize Luisa Victória Z. Martin, BBA alum class of 2020 from Brazil. After graduation, she applied to trainee programs which helped her open doors, and now Victória is an associate part of the People & Organization department at PwC. PwC is a consulting company that provides Trust Solutions and Consulting Solutions.

Here’s a catch-up between Victória and SolBridge on what she’s done after she’s graduated.

 

1. What is your Full name, Major, Year graduated:

My name is Luisa Victória Zacharias Martin, graduated in August 2020. 

2. Can you tell us the company that you are working, its location, and its mission and purpose, 

I am currently working at PwC at Brazil. Our company’s mission is to provide an unrivaled level of service and to contribute to the sustained growth of the economy through the execution of vigorous, fair, and high-quality audits based on clear leadership and creative teamwork. PwC's purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems.

3. Can you tell us your role, position and responsibilities? 

I am currently an Associate 2, in the People & Organization department. 

I'm currently responsible for the clients’ main deliverables using Office 365 to do so, this includes mapping indicators, SLAs and opportunities. Not only that but also, to give support to the workforce planning, people analytics and organizational design. Lastly, I've been acting as a scrum master setting agile rituals, scheduling, transcribing and sometimes translating meetings to multiple languages.

4. What did you do after graduation and some of the steps you’ve taken to reach this position?

 

After graduating, I decided to apply for trainee programs after taking into consideration that in Brazil doing so can open many doors when you don't have any work experience. In my opinion, something to keep in mind when looking for a job is that you will be rejected a lot of times, especially when looking for an entry-level one, and with time it will get better. I've learned how to grow a thicker skin and eventually succeed, someone believed in my potential and someone will believe in yours too. 

Lastly, I've never stopped studying something I liked. I firmly believe that when we start working and get swept into the routine it's very easy to lose sight of our goals, hobbies and interests. For me, I'm always studying or trying something new, even if it's not something that directly helps in my career.

5. Can you tell us how your time in Solbridge, special events, and memories, have helped you?

 

My time at Solbridge was fundamental for me to get to where I am right now. I've met people there that I haven't seen in years, but we still keep in touch and call each other every now and then. Not only that but, during that time I went to almost all excursions, participated in every single event I could and enjoyed the best student life possible. 

 

For instance, I won 1st place in the Asian Case Study competition and in the Leadership Camp with both my teammates. I participated shortly in the debate club and the experience was incredible, Professor Danielle was such an amazing mentor for me. 

 

Moreover, I was a merit-based full-time scholarship student and Brazil's country representative for 3 years. It was a lot of work to train for a performance or to cook for so many people at once, but thankfully everything went according to plan (even when it didn't). My first cultural day I was the only Brazilian at Solbridge and by the end of the event I was literally covered in chocolate. Quite a sweet memory if I may. 

 

Lastly, Solbridge helped me to change my views of the world and helped me to grow into the first best version of myself. I really hope you guys enjoy your time there as much as I did. 

6. Do you have any advice for students who want to pursue this field?

Working at one of the Big Four isn't an easy task, but it's a great way to start a career. If it's possible to get a job in one of them, it's wonderful and you should apply for the job openings and do your best. However, if it's not possible don't beat yourself up for that. Our careers can change drastically even if they didn't start at the Big Four, what matters the most is to find something that is worth it and that matters to you. 

 

Become a global citizen or not, never give up your dreams and goals.