De Montfort University Leicester’s (DMU) Alumnus of the Month is Sandeep Chauhan, Director of Digital Audit at PwC.
The Business Administration alumnus secured his first graduate job with the Big Four firm after graduating from DMU in 2003 – and has worked for PwC ever since, across different roles and locations, leading technology audits of major global brands.
Sandeep, from Leicester, said it was a ‘proud’ moment for him when he first landed the role in London.
He said: “I was grateful at the opportunity to work for a large global professional services firm. It was a big change for me to move from Leicester to London and did feel quite daunting.
“However, it was a life-changing move and gave me opportunities I could have only dreamed of. I now have a huge global network of PwC clients and colleagues, not to mention the impact this had had on my development personally and professionally.
“I started in a project management role which I really enjoyed. I was responsible for the financial management of the audit, managing budgets, resources and project plans.”
Sandeep then moved into a technology audit role within PwC’s Risk Assurance business, specialising in auditing large global banks and financial services firms.
He said: “It was a very empowering and rewarding experience with lots of variety. I was working with iconic brands that I’d seen and heard of and then found myself within the four walls of those organisations!”
Sandeep said that a global outlook has been an integral part of his career, which has given him opportunities to work around the world and understand different cultures. One of his career highlights was spending two years on a secondment at PwC’s Risk Assurance business in New York.
He said: “Going to New York was one of the best things I did, personally and professionally. It was a great experience. I only knew a handful of people before moving and getting used to work, life, culture and the city was quite a big jump. It felt a long way from home!
“But I quickly settled into living and working in New York and I made a lot of friends through work, many of whom I am still in touch with today.”
Sandeep wasn’t sure initially which university course to apply for, but said that DMU’s Business Administration course was a ‘great way to kick start a career’.
"My degree gave me insights into a range of topics relevant to my role, accounting, economics and international business,” he said.
“Most people would say technology is complicated, and it is – however, I learnt all about it through on the job training, coaching and having an inquisitive mind! In my view, enthusiasm, and being open to learning and solving problems takes you a long way.
“My job has given me insight into how organisations operate, and the common challenges and issues that companies face.
“I now support others with their careers which is very rewarding. I have enjoyed my career to date and I am looking forward to the future in a technologically-advanced, post-pandemic world.”
Sandeep now leads PwC’s Digital Audit practice for the Midlands and West and Wales, based in Birmingham, leading technology audits in financial services, technology, energy and manufacturing clients across the region.
He said: “Although I’ve lived in London for a very long time, I still feel very deeply rooted in the Midlands and my friends and family are still in Leicester and the local area. I am proud of my home city - there is definitely something that draws me back.”
Posted on Friday 23 April 2021