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Interview with ...
Jakob Blei Senior Associate at PwC in Austria
Jakob is taking our Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital and Private Equity and works as Senior Associate at PwC in Austria. He defines himself as an openminded and hardworking person. Apart from diving into financial statements, he loves travelling, soccer and connecting with people. By Cristina Prats
— Why did you decide to take the Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital and Private Equity at UIC Barcelona?
I always wanted to study or work abroad. As I was already in a full-time job in Austria and I had no intention of quitting it, so I was looking for another opportunity to go abroad. I decided to do a part-time master’s degree’s degree at a university in Vienna. This university offered a double degree programme at UIC Barcelona. For me this was the perfect chance to go abroad. I did not hesitate for a second as the Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and Private Equity fitted perfectly with my background and previous education. — Why did you choose UIC Barcelona out of many other universities?
Since my university in Vienna offered a double degree programme with UIC Barcelona, I took that opportunity. Furthermore, the UIC offers excellent programmes at affordable prices
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compared to other private universities. I did not consider another university as the overall package was perfect for my situation at that time. — How has your experience at UIC Barcelona and in our city been so far?
Very positive! I like the university as well as the people I have met. Everybody is friendly and helpful. Furthermore, I would like to point out the excellent lecturers from different backgrounds and companies in my Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital and Private Equity programme. Clearly, I love the city and the culture. Especially, I enjoy the warm weather and the beach since in Austria it is much colder at that time of year. — You now work at PWC Austria as a Senior Associate. Tell us a little bit about your professional experience and background. I work in the auditing department, which means we examine companies’ financial statements. The job gives you the opportunity to learn a lot about the
financial as well as the operational aspects of a company. In my current position, I am responsible for auditing specific areas of companies, to guide and teach younger colleagues on the job, oversee ongoing projects and regularly report to management. — What are your expectations once you finish your master’s degree? Will it open new doors for you?
I am confident that I will have many options after I have finished my master’s degree. Thanks to excellent lectures we had the opportunity to network and connect with other business people. I can imagine founding my own business or establishing a venture capital fund in Austria to help start-ups or working abroad (maybe in Spain, specifically Barcelona). — Why would you recommend this master’s degree?
I recommend this master’s degree since it offers an excellent programme with a special focus on Entrepreneurship,
