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David, Director, M&A Advisory at PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services LLC: Advize Career Interview
An interview with a PwC M&A Advisory Director reveals a fascinating career journey originating from a Marine Corps background and culminating in a leadership role within Silicon Valley's tech and media deal landscape.
This professional leveraged an MBA and strategic networking to navigate into management consulting, ultimately finding a niche in M&A. The role involves a dynamic mix of client service, business development, and team management, demanding a blend of financial acumen, industry knowledge, and exceptional communication skills.
The most rewarding aspect is team development and collaborative problem-solving within a global firm.
While managing bandwidth during peak transaction periods presents a challenge, the opportunity to be at the forefront of technological advancements and contribute to future trends is highly motivating.
Ideal candidates possess a strong work ethic, attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and a willingness to challenge themselves.
Entry-level positions are available for both undergraduate and graduate students, offering a pathway to this rewarding and relationship-driven field.
Ultimately, mastering the "relationship piece" is the key to long-term success, as building rapport and fostering genuine connections with clients leads to repeat business and career advancement.
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Job Title
Company
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David Samuel
Director, M&A Advisory
PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory Services LLC
New York University
University of San Diego, MScGL and MBA
Majors
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Traits
Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts
Professional Services
Consulting
Veteran
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Career Path Of A Director Mergers And Acquisitions Advisory At PwC
David leveraged experiences in the Marine Corps and an MBA from USD to pivot into management consulting, initially facing internship rejections but ultimately landing a corporate development role at 20th Century Fox where they learned a lot about financial modeling, which then opened doors to a consulting position at Oliver Wyman. "Always interested in mergers and acquisitions," David then strategically networked with USD alumni at PwC to transition into their M&A practice in Silicon Valley, where they have been for almost nine years.
Main Responsibilities of a Director M&A Advisory at PricewaterhouseCoopers Advisory
As a Director in M&A Advisory at PwC, David's main responsibilities are twofold: "delivering services to our clients" and "identifying and selling our services to our clients." This involves managing multiple projects and teams while simultaneously seeking new business from existing or potential clients, a significant shift from the focus on foundational skills at the senior associate level.
A Day in the Life of a Director Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory at PwC
A day in the life of a tech and media deals director at PwC involves juggling multiple responsibilities, "constantly bouncing between different transactions, different clients, and also internal firm resource management." This could include early morning calls with European clients, preparing for buyer calls with bankers, coaching team members, and engaging in sales calls with private equity firms seeking acquisition advice.
Most Important Skills For A Director M&A Advisory At PricewaterhouseCoopers
David, a Director in M&A Advisory at PwC, emphasizes the importance of both hard and soft skills, noting that hard skills include financial modeling proficiency, sector expertise – particularly in tech including semiconductors, and "how to tell a story in PowerPoint," while soft skills center on leadership, client interaction, and relationship building to "grow revenue and grow your business." He suggests that sustaining long-term client relationships and selling services to returning clients are key for continued success in the field.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Director Of M&A Advisory At PwC
David, a Director, M&A Advisory at PwC, finds the most rewarding aspect of the role to be "developing [the] team" and leveraging relationships with colleagues both across the US and globally, highlighting the benefits of working within a large, international firm. The opportunity to learn from others and "deliver with them" also brings immense satisfaction, reflecting a collaborative and growth-oriented work environment.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An M&A Advisory Director At PricewaterhouseCoopers
David, a Director in M&A Advisory at PwC, finds that the biggest challenge in the role is managing bandwidth, especially during weeks when multiple transactions require support and constant meetings with bankers. While these periods can be incredibly busy, involving numerous calls to explain asset particulars while simultaneously selling, David notes, "this week will come to an end and next week we'll be working on something different," indicating the cyclical nature of the M&A advisory work.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Technology Industry As A Director M&A Advisory
David enjoys being in the technology sector because there's "always something new, something cutting edge" that's changing lives, and this role allows a feeling of being "on the front lines" and ahead of economic shifts. The most enjoyable aspect is contributing to, and anticipating, the future driven by technological advancements.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Consulting Industry, According To A Director, M&A Advisory At PricewaterhouseCoopers
According to David, a Director at PwC Advisory, those who thrive in M&A consulting are typically "hard workers" who are "very detail oriented" and "intellectually curious," with a genuine interest in a sector that fuels constant learning, enabling them to confidently engage with clients; moreover, successful consultants "aren’t afraid to raise their hand and...challenge themselves."
What an M&A Director at PwC Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the M&A Industry
David, a Director at PwC, wouldn't have been dissuaded from pursuing M&A advisory, a "natural progression" for someone who seeks responsibility and leadership; however, he wishes he'd known how sell-side transactions can be especially "complex and a little more time consuming in the long run," particularly when client demand exceeds available resources. Despite these challenges, David finds the work "very rewarding," full of challenges, and enjoys working with great people.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring M&A Advisory Associates at PricewaterhouseCoopers
David, Director, M&A Advisory at PwC, indicates that entry-level positions exist for both undergraduates and graduates, with undergraduates starting as "associate" and MBA graduates typically starting one level higher as "senior associate" due to likely pre-graduate school work experience. David mentions the "learning curve tends to be higher" for new undergraduate associates, but despite this, they emphasize that PwC is "always filling up [their] pipeline with new graduates," highlighting available opportunities.
Significant Career Lesson From a Director M&A Advisory at PricewaterhouseCoopers
David from PwC Advisory Services emphasizes that mastering "the relationship piece" is the most significant lesson in a consulting career, as building rapport and genuinely caring about clients fosters long-term partnerships that ultimately make sales easier when those connections advance professionally and seek assistance. Maintaining relationships with a client base will benefit the career professional's career in the long-run.
College Experiences That Helped a Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory Director at PwC Succeed
David emphasized that "networking, networking, networking" was crucial for career success, involving extensive outreach on platforms like LinkedIn, attending coffee chats, and leveraging professional organizations to expand exposure within the consulting industry. Complementing this focus on "relationship building," practicing case studies was also essential for securing a consulting job and internship.
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