insights
I’m currently studying Accounting and Finance at the University of Warwick. In my degree we’re taught a range of modules including Accounting, Law, and Economics. During my 2nd year of university, I was given the option of a Corporate Finance module which I found both fascinating and enjoyable.
Joining PEMCF helped me understand the necessity of practical work, consolidating academic learning and working with real life, business-owner behaviours.
I first met Phil during a leadership event in 2021 where I selected him as one of my three mentors. He spoke about his career history and how he successfully became Head of Corporate Finance at PEMCF. I understood the importance of obtaining practical experience before finishing my studies and Warwick gave me the option to undertake a placement year, which following discussions with Phil, I chose to do at PEMCF.
PEMCF allowed me to take full ownership of my work and be directly involved in mandates including MBOs, business valuations, and sale transactions. Being a small yet busy team, I knew PEMCF would be the best place to start my financial career.
Joining the team as an analyst, my role is to support both the corporate finance team and clients.
Typical tasks include:
There’s been several skills learnt and developed during my time at PEMCF. First and foremost, time management. Working in a sector where there are several deals simultaneously occurring means it is necessary to manage your workload efficiently and effectively. It’s easy to neglect certain routine tasks, so it was imperative to allocate and manage my diary well.
Secondly, flexibility. In my role, I rarely work on projects alone, but rather in collaboration with different combinations of colleagues. I’ve been able to grasp the different working styles of my co-workers and adapt my techniques to suit the combination of team members.
Lastly, I’ve learnt to be inquisitive. Much of the understanding I’ve developed, has stemmed from asking an innumerable number of questions.
Attending the Central and East Anglia Dealmakers’ award ceremony has definitely been one of my top highlights. It was great to see the team dressed-up and merry for the occasion. Winning the Deal of the Year (sub £10m) award was the cherry on top.
Additionally, completing my first full valuation draft report was extremely satisfying. To the inexperienced eye, databooks can look daunting with the numerous excel formulas, formatting, and graphs. However, it was both rewarding and gratifying creating a document and report from scratch as it helped solidify a lot of my theoretical knowledge.
Lastly, I joined the Cambridge Young Professionals Group and the PEM Young Professionals cohort, which hosted numerous events throughout the year including curry nights, pizza making classes, movie nights, mini-golf, punting, and casual evening drinks. It was great meeting other young professionals in various fields such as law, finance, and property, networking in a fun, yet casual, setting.
The 3rd of September (2 days before I started work) was my first time in Cambridge! I’d been told Cambridge was a beautiful city, and that certainly was true. Cambridge is a busy city filled with so much history, culture and depth ranging from the colleges to the lakes. Though surprisingly expensive, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cambridge and my leisurely walks along Mill Road.
I’m very excited to be returning to my final year of university. I believe I’ve obtained a depth of practical knowledge that I’ll be able to transfer into my studies to ensure I finish with excellent grades. During my time at PEMCF, I’ve not only developed a confidence in my ability to produce high-level work, but also an ability to enquire and learn from others. This is a pure reflection of the team’s excellence.
Outside of work, I’m present in the church. I volunteer in the kid’s department at both my church in Cambridge and my church in Warwick. It’s a joy to help nurture and encourage these young children in the Christian faith.
Additionally, I play piano. During the last year, I joined the PEM band consisting of a range of singers and wind instruments. We performed, for the first time, at the end of August where we were supported by numerous colleagues throughout the firm. It’s been a privilege working in a company that values both my academic and personal interests.