PwC’s US CEO on the career advice he gave to his kids

Paul Griggs, CEO of PwC's U.S. operations, is encouraging his college-aged children to consider careers in accounting, despite PwC's plans to hire fewer consultants and accountants. In an interview with Business Insider, Griggs expressed support for his children's aspirations. While PwC has shifted its focus to hiring data scientists, engineers, and machine learning experts, the core work in accounting, consulting, and finance has remained unchanged.

Griggs noted that PwC is increasingly hiring individuals from nontraditional backgrounds, such as liberal arts majors, due to the demand for broad knowledge in the AI era. The firm's hiring practices have evolved, with plans to recruit only entry-level associates in advisory roles across 13 offices, down from 72, and to recruit a third fewer new graduates by 2028.

Griggs maintains a belief in the value of master's degrees, encouraging his children to pursue further education if they are interested, as these programs foster curiosity and research skills. PwC has also established partnerships with universities, including a leadership program with Harvard Business School and an AI training program co-developed at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Griggs emphasized that success in professional services relies on dedication and curiosity, applicable even during non-working hours.