I knew I was ready

Emily Joseph is a consultant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers in NYC. She is our #WCW because she practices what she preaches: the most important thing is to always do the best you can at the task in front of you, and it will lead you to great things.

1. What's your story? What makes you unique?

I like to discover different versions of myself in all different aspects of my life. I can be the baby of my family, the goofball with my friends, and the professional at work all at the same time. But what I strive for is that no matter where I fit into your life, your vision of my kindness, sense of humor, and morals all align with one another. That my character is never questioned.

2. What motivates you?

I'm extremely motivated by proving those wrong who believe I can’t achieve something. This year is the perfect example. This year was a promotion year for me at work, and I was told in May (in a nutshell) that I should not get my hopes up. I spent the next month not only stepping up my “game,” but ensuring that I voiced to the partners that I knew I was ready. Sure enough, my efforts paid off.

3. Who is a hero of yours?

No question, my parents are my heroes for many reasons. Not only do I admire their enormous love for one another after so many years together, but I truly think they are the smartest people I know, and they have taught me so much about how to live a happy and healthy life.

4. Give us a road map of your career. How did you get to where you are today?

It all started with my deep love for New York City, and it ended with the Terry College of Business. I was born with a passion for music, primarily the performing arts and Broadway musicals. When I realized how difficult that industry could be, I switched focus. If I wanted to make it to Manhattan, I had to find the next best option, which ultimately lead me to the business school at UGA. Luckily my performing skills remained intact and landed me a role with the Terry Ambassador Program, and a reputation as the “Best Tour Guide” in the group. I ultimately gave a campus tour to a family, a high school junior and her parents, whose father mentioned that he was a partner in the Mergers & Acquisitions practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. One week later, I landed myself a consulting gig with PwC and haven’t looked back since.

5. What's your future plan? Your goals?

My short term goal is to learn as much as I can from where I am now. M&A Consulting presents the opportunity to work for multiple clients across industries and sectors, learn the inter-workings of their business, and resolve different issues in a high-intensity, fast-paced environment. My hope is that my experience here will provide me with the foundation and framework I’ll need to start my own business. I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but I do hope to apply my “creative” side with music and the arts in whatever I do next.

6. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

My best advice may be a bit generic, but I think also much too underrated, and that’s to stay positive. I struggled in the first 6-8 months of my job. In college, I was involved in campus activities and had multiple networks of friends, I excelled in classes, I knew my way around and, much of the time, was helping answer questions for high school students who were deciding if UGA was right for them. So when I showed up wide-eyed and excited to start my new job and easily exceed all expectations, I was crushed when it didn’t come right away. I felt lost and thought I had chosen the wrong career path. The only thing that kept me going through it was to make sure I smiled and offered to help whenever I could. It’s amazing how much people appreciate you when you bring a positive energy to a job that can, let’s face it, be a bit monotonous. I obviously picked up on things and can now say I am confident at work. Smiling won’t make you learn the job quicker, but it will keep you motivated and alert during the times that set you back.

7. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?

I’m most passionate about helping the less fortunate. I have been incredibly lucky with how I grew up financially, and even more lucky that I was able to attend a university that gave me the opportunity to support myself comfortably. Living in Manhattan (and even in Athens, GA), the homeless population is substantial and visible. I hope one day I have the resources to help make a difference for those who want to get back on their feet but don’t know where to start.

8. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done? I WISH I could say I’ve gone skydiving in Switzerland or bungee jumping in Peru, but unfortunately, those are still on my bucket list. I can say that one of my absolute favorite adventures was driving through Tuscany last summer, all the way from Milan to Lake Como. We made many stops along the way, and by the end of our trip, had covered 16 Italian cities and villages. I plan to get married at Lake Como (whenever that day may be!)