Intern, Associate, fashion model: Ivona’s journey at PwC and beyond

Ivona Petkova began her PwC journey as an intern in Tax and Legal Services, after which she got the opportunity to continue working in her team as an Associate. Next to her full-time job, Ivona works as an international fashion model. Read about Ivona’s experience at PwC and how she maintains a balance between her daily job and her passion for modelling.

"While transfer pricing and modelling are two completely different career paths, the transferrable skills for both are quite similar."

How did you start your career at PwC?

After completing my Bachelor’s studies in (European) Law, I wanted to gain experience in the field of tax law. That’s when I came across the internship in the transfer pricing team at PwC. The area of transfer pricing seemed incredibly diverse and very different from what I had done so far. After meeting some of my current colleagues, I was convinced that PwC was the right place – I love how diverse our team is, both culturally and in terms of professional and educational background.

What’s been the most exciting experience so far?

I’m very happy that I got the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and be involved in important client meetings. Being able to interact with clients right from the beginning and to find the best solution to a complex problem as a team is super exciting.

What about your most valuable learning?

My biggest learning or challenge so far has been understanding the economic aspects of transfer pricing. Coming from a legal background, I had to learn a lot. Thanks to the trainings as well as on-the-job learning, I was able to quickly get settled and now, as an Associate, work more independently.

"In modelling, last-minute schedule changes are common, and you work with various clients on different projects daily. Similarly, in consulting, you often work on multiple projects for different clients and may need to deliver work on short notice."

Are there any similarities between modelling and your work at PwC?

While transfer pricing and modelling are two completely different career paths, the transferrable skills for both are quite similar. In modelling, last-minute schedule changes are common, and you work with various clients on different projects daily. Similarly, in consulting, you often work on multiple projects for different clients and may need to deliver work on short notice. Time management, adaptability and organisation skills are crucial in both roles. And it is necessary to keep up with the fast pace and stressful environments.

How do you maintain a balance?

The key to balancing both jobs is clear communication with my team members at PwC and my modelling agencies, strong organisational skills, and a realistic assessment of how much time I have, but also how much energy I can devote to both. I’m happy to work in an environment that’s super flexible, allowing me to pursue areas I’m passionate about outside of my daily work.

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Intern, Associate, fashion model: Ivona’s journey at PwC and beyond

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