#10000BlackInterns - improving representation of Black talent
While our graduate intake exceeds the UK university market in recruits from a minority ethnic background (34% representation vs 25% at UK universities), only 2% of our graduates were from a Black heritage background compared to 4% at UK universities. Our involvement in the 10,000 Black Interns programme is one way we’re seeking to address this.
Setting the scene
We signed up to the 10,000 Black Interns programme in 2020, pledging our support for its aim to provide paid work experience to Black students in the next five years.
Our Black Talent in Business programme had a positive impact on our 2021 intake of Black students but more work needs to be done in reaching Black students and encouraging them to explore opportunities at PwC.
For us, it helps us broaden access to our firm and recruit Black talent to our existing work experience programmes. For the interns, it offers an opportunity to experience what a career at PwC could be like.
How we helped
We recruited 60 students through the scheme over the financial year. They joined as part of a cohort of 750+ undergraduate students who took part in work experience starting in June 2022.
Through the work experience they met mentors and buddies representing the variety of opportunities available across our Lines of Service and were also introduced to different client project environments. The students got to feel what it is like to work at PwC and ensure that their own values align with the firm’s.
They continued to build on the skills gained from university, while also developing new professional skills including project management and presenting during the programme.
Importantly, they also met some of our Black colleagues to hear about their personal career journeys, as well as members of our people networks focussed on Inclusion and Diversity.
“Taking part in the 10,000 Black Interns programme with PwC has been an unforgettable experience that has marked a milestone in my career journey. Being able to interact with people I aspired to be, made the experience more relatable. PwC has taken inclusion and diversity to the next level and has set the standard for other organisations. I am thrilled to have been offered a graduate role in Audit and I look forward to contributing positively to the firm’s work.”
Making a difference
Students who enjoy their experience and do well on the programme are offered a further internship or permanent graduate role (depending on their year of study) once they’ve completed their degree. From this year's cohort, over 90% were offered a future role.
For the firm, this targeted approach to recruitment plays an important part in improving the representation of Black people across our business - something we’re trying to achieve at all grades through our five-point diversity and inclusion action plan, alongside our targeted racial equality plan.
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