Simone Reina, Manager Assurance Industrial Services, PwC

In order to help current students and recent graduates to find their way in the working world, many of our alumni shared their career story. Here the story of Simone Reina, Manager Assurance Industrial Services at PwC in Lugano (CH). USI Degree: Bachelor in Scienze economiche, 2017.

How did you start your career?

I started my career even before finishing my studies at USI, thanks to an internship at a Lugano fiduciary called Prosolve SA, which introduced me to the audit. This internship allowed me to understand what audit had to offer and I immediately became passionate about it. After my internship, with the support of Prosolve SA, I had the opportunity to continue auditing at EY Lugano, where I stayed for about 5 years. In order to expand my knowledge and take on new challenges, I then accepted an offer at PwC Switzerland, where I am still employed.

Why did you choose a career at PwC?

At the time of my decision to switch from one Big4 to another, I had reached my final year of the Swiss CPA academy, and in anticipation of the most important year, I decided to challenge myself and accept a new opportunity. Firstly, this meant changing my client portfolio that I had known for over 5 years. On the other hand, it meant starting from scratch with the relationships I had built in the meantime and being able to establish a lasting trust from zero. This motivated me to give my best, and looking at where it has brought me, I would say it has been one of the best choices I have ever made.

What is your current role/duties?

Currently, I am a Manager in the Assurance Industrial Services department. Specifically, I am responsible for managing a range of audit engagements for companies of various sizes, from large listed groups to local businesses. In total, I handle around 45 clients, which are further divided into a larger number of engagements. My role involves managing client relationships as their direct point of contact. Additionally, I am responsible for managing the team working alongside me, which can vary from 2 to 5 people per engagement. This includes overseeing the engagement from a strategic, innovative, and financial perspective. I am also responsible for welcoming and supporting new joiners in the Lugano office. Essentially, I am the person who greets them and serves as a point of reference, especially during their initial months of adaptation.

In your opinion, what are the qualities necessary for a successful career at PwC?

Honestly, I believe it's not about where you work, as the key characteristics are essential for personal growth in any company. First and foremost, curiosity is crucial in everything you do. It's important not to just do things because you're told to, but to truly understand what you're doing and the goals you want to achieve. Certainly, there needs to be a desire to learn and grow, not only in terms of position within the company but also as an individual. In my opinion, once you finish your university education, you only know about 20% (if not less) of the world around us. A job like mine allows you to regularly engage with different realities, and this process of growth has been rapid and fulfilling for me. Lastly, the work you do should be enjoyable, and you should have fun while doing it. I remember a moment in my early months of work when my supervisor came into the open space where we were working and asked "Are you having fun?". We all thought she was going to scold us, but then she said something that I will never forget: "This job, like all the others out there, is tough and sometimes boring, so without enjoyment, you won't get anywhere. So please, have fun!" I have to say that it's something I often repeat to the people I work with because it's truly fundamental.

What positive aspects and qualities meant most to you during the study programme you attended?

I believe the most positive aspect has been the opportunity to meet new people, both colleagues and clients, whom I have encountered in my work. Additionally, the chance to complete a curricular internship has certainly shaped my career, seeing that once it was finished, I never changed my professional field.

What competences and skills acquired in your USI Study Program have been useful/are useful to your professional career?

In addition to the technical knowledge that I require on a daily basis in my professional field, such as accounting, management, and analysis skills, I believe that frequently working with different teams has allowed me to adapt more easily to any situation. Every week, my team changes, as do the characteristics and backgrounds of the individuals involved. The same was true at USI, and I probably adapt well to various teams thanks to the skills I acquired during those experiences.

What is your advice to USI students entering the job market?

I would recommend not getting discouraged after facing closed doors, but to keep trying. Furthermore, I would advise not to rule out a particular career or job without truly experiencing it; give it a try, it doesn't cost anything. Lastly, remember that first impressions are made only once, and they matter the most. When you have an interview and someone sees you for the first time, they can never know if you are the right person or not. They can only gather information that will help them make a decision. A tie, an handshake, or a smile can change everything, much more than what you will be saying.