Making corporate commitments

Professional relationships last a long time and go beyond networking into the social realm, writes Jayanti Menches

Rebecca Luo, senior lecturer, Lingnan University Department of Accounting and Finance

Today's uncertain economy is driving some people to rethink their current job situation, change companies every couple of years or boldly establish a new career path. The one positive in these changing times is the friends and colleagues we meet and the relationships we build while moving from one organisation to the next.

Maintaining contact with current or past colleagues is usually driven by personal resolve and determination. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has taken this to heart and put budget and staffing behind its support of a global, corporate alumni association. Created by the merger of accounting firms Price Waterhouse and Coopers & Lybrand, the firm has increased not only the ranks of its staff, but also its alumni. Last year, accounting firm Andersen combined with PwC, adding its staff and partners to PwC's employee and alumni base.

Building relationships

PwC's alumni organisation was primarily established to allow former staff to stay in touch and develop long-term relationships. The firm benefited, since it opened up business opportunities. Some alumni eventually become clients, while others end up as top executives of local Hong Kong firms - a win-win situation for all.

Former Andersen employee Rebecca Luo is enjoying the benefits of the alumni community. After working for Andersen as a senior accountant, Ms Luo redirected her career by joining Lingnan University as a senior college lecturer with the Department of Accounting and Finance. "My dream and personal goal was to join a university and teach," she says. "It gives me an opportunity to spend time with people."

Ms Luo's introduction to PwC's alumni organisation came via a free seminar on PRC tax updates, the first in a series organised expressly for alumni. "I thought it would be useful for self development," she explains. After attending, she formally registered with the alumni organisation and has found it to be a good platform for networking and exchanging ideas and knowledge with old colleagues. Activities not only allow her to meet old friends, but also keep in touch with former bosses. "I have developed both social and professional contacts," she explains.

Sharing experiences

PwC's Hong Kong office is working on building a database of PwC alumni, is in the process of organising more events and has plans to introduce an alumni newsletter. When employees depart from the firm, they are encouraged to register with the alumni organisation in order to receive emails about upcoming events and other technical updates. Unlike other professional associations, the PwC alumni organisation is company-funded and free to alumni, Ms Luo adds.

Notably, most of PwC's alumni remain in the accounting field, with some working as chief financial officers in a wide spectrum of industries. They return to alumni functions to share experiences and exchange ideas, helping younger staff at the firm grow and learn more about the business world.

Ms Luo says she attends functions for personal enhancement and development. She also learns from seminars and is looking forward to future events. "Everyone needs to grow," she explains. "I also bring some information back to my students or look for job opportunities for them. However, my main reason for attending is to nurture friendships."

Taken from Career Times 2003/12/12