PwC Sophomore Leadership Program

If you are interested in learning more about life at PwC – and are an undergraduate sophomore – the PwC leadership program is a great opportunity for you to get a feel for the firm’s unique work culture. Join us for a wild ride through the ups and downs of PwC’s sophomore leadership program – formerly know as Elevate, recently re-branded to Destination CPA. You’ll want to pay attention, as Destination CPA is another way for you to stand out during the application process for PwC’s formal internship program.

In addition to the door it can open to future summer internships, Destination CPA offers an opportunity for you to network with PwC employees, get to know other impressive students, and have a little bit of fun!

An Overview of the PwC Leadership Program

Destination CPA is a 3-day spring program designed for undergraduates who have completed their Sophomore year and want to know more about life and work at PwC.

In order to be a part of Destination CPA, you will need to formally apply for an internship at PwC. Internships are held in the summer following your Junior year.

If you are accepted to an internship, you may be offered to attend Destination CPA. Keep in mind that PwC wants to give every intern an offer to return! As such, your participation in Destination CPA is your first step at securing a position at PwC.

How to Apply for PwC Sophomore Leadership Program

So how do you know if you are eligible to apply for PwC’s Spring Leadership Program?

• You must not have participated in Destination CPA or a PwC internship previously.
• You must be an accounting major pursuing 150 credit hours.
• A minimum 3.0 GPA (a 3.5 will really set you apart).
• You are currently a sophomore, which means you are a 2nd year student in a 4-year university program or a junior in a five-year program.
• Due to university rules, students from UT Austin, Baylor, Texas A&M and Texas Tech are not eligible to attend this program.

If you meet the eligibility requirements for PwC’s spring leadership program, reach out to on-campus recruiters (if applicable) for the latest insight into the application process.

You can also apply directly on PwC’s website as well. Beware, however! Spots are limited and the program is competitive, so make sure you network before blindly applying online!

So, when do you apply for an internship? If you are seeking an internship opportunity in Audit, Tax or Digital Assurance & Transparency for PwC’s 2024 winter and summer season, apply early! Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so the earlier you apply, the better chance you have at being accepted into this program.

• Wave 1: Tuesday, January 31^st (Early Application Deadline)
• Wave 2: Tuesday, February 21st

If you are chosen for an interview, PwC will contact you to arrange a virtual interview with PwC professionals. Find some of our best virtual interview tips here.

If you receive an internship offer by March 31, 2023, you will receive an invitation to attend Destination CPA

PwC is looking for candidates that are personable and able to comfortably carry on a conversation with a senior leader. Be calm, prepare for your interview (we can help!), and communicate in a linear, structured manner to increase your chances of success.

Preparing for the PwC Leadership Program

In order to apply for an internship, you will need to submit your resume and a cover letter.

If accepted for an interview, be sure to prepare for a behavioral interview. PwC is interested in how you will fit into the culture it has established. You can also expect the interview to be very conversational in nature.

You can expect questions such as, “What role do you find yourself in in a team environment?” and “Give me an example of an obstacle you worked to overcome and how you overcame it”.

You can also expect to be asked why you chose to apply for the program at PwC and what you wish to get out of Destination CPA. Be prepared to give very specific examples to support your answers – stories make the best answers!

Know your resume well and be prepared to walk through it in 60 seconds (chronologically). The firm doesn’t expect you to have a ton of experience yet, but does want to see if you have the drive (as exhibited by GPA and on-campus leadership experiences) to be a future consultant.

Next Steps – Preparing for Destination CPA

If you have an interest in working at PwC, the Destination CPA program is where you should start. Getting an internship at PwC prior to graduation is one of the best ways to secure employment with the firm after graduation. The ability to network with employees at PwC is invaluable in regard to helping you obtain a position at the firm.

Keep in mind that if you do receive an offer to intern at PwC and are invited to attend Destination CPA, you don’t have to accept the internship prior to attending Destination CPA. PwC’s spring leadership program will likely help you decide if an internship with PwC is something you do indeed want to do.

If you need assistance with crafting your resume to ensure you stand out in a sea of candidates, or you need assistance preparing for your Destination CPA interview, we are here to help. We offer resume editing services and interview coaching. Work with us today!

Additional Reading:

• Case Interview: Complete Prep Guide
• Consulting Resume: Complete Guide
• Consulting Cover Letter: Ultimate Guide
• Consulting Internship: How to Land an Offer
• Top 25 Consulting Firms
• Consulting Firm Directory