2023-03-30
Meet Jonas!
We joined the VU EVAF project "10 Questions for Alumni". Jonas Balsys, Head of the Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Group at PwC, talks about his experience, goals and achievements during his studies.
What dreams did you have during your studies? Did they come true?
I wanted to be the CEO of a large company or a finance minister. However, my career expectations and dreams have evolved somewhat over time as I have developed a better understanding of some of the behind-the-scenes nuances of such positions. During my studies, I didn't think about living abroad for a long time, although I ended up spending 8 years outside Lithuania (in Silicon Valley, California, the US and London). It's important to have a goal, but it's even more important to seize the opportunities that arise and enjoy what you do. I think that not everything works out the way you plan or dream, but you don't need that to be happy.
What was the most important factor in choosing where to study?
After graduating from Vilnius Lyceum, I wanted to study in Lithuania and at that time I didn't feel ready to try my luck abroad. My father was a well-known Lithuanian haematologist and an associate professor at Vilnius University, so growing up I heard about Vilnius University all the time, and I knew the names of many of the professors and the rector. I chose to study management because I was interested in how businesses work and I didn't want to associate myself with fields that were too technical for me, such as computer science or mathematics (even though I did well in them at school!). I enjoyed analysing companies' financial results and understanding their internal processes.
What's the most important thing for your career?
In my opinion, everyone's career path is slightly different. It is always important to play to your strengths, to keep learning and improving, to take a keen interest in everything, to take personal responsibility for your work, to develop an excellent work ethic and to build trusting relationships with colleagues, managers, clients and other important contacts. To reach the top, you also need to be courageous, able to debate and express and defend your views. From my own experience, I would like to highlight the most challenging projects - these are the ones that build and reveal a person's true character and abilities, and get you noticed by top managers, so make the most of these opportunities.
Which lectures did you enjoy the most? Which were the most challenging?
I liked the finance and accounting subjects the best. I'm a numbers person, but I also like to understand the big picture (for example, how a particular company works). Maybe that's why I was more attracted to finance at company level than to macroeconomics, monetary policy, etc. The hardest part was statistics - I still remember our lecturer telling us that no-one pays for a 10 (I got a 9)!
How did you prepare for the exams: consistently, throughout the semester, or a few days before?
I was used to exams from my school days (Vilnius Lyceum) and I was not afraid of them, which helped me a lot later on during my studies at the University. It was important for me to study, not just to get a diploma - so I focused on studying throughout my studies, not just during the session. I prepared for exams in a short but focused way. I often relied on my logical thinking and excellent memory. Sleep has always been important for me to be energetic, so I never prepared for exams at night.
What are the qualities of a good student and how do they contribute to your career?
In my opinion, a good student is someone who is eager to learn, active in his/her studies and responsible in his/her pursuit of the best possible knowledge. To achieve anything, you need to invest a lot of time and effort, learn how to debate and express your opinion, analyse important sources of information and draw conclusions. Examinations are not to be feared; on the contrary, they should be seen as an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge or understand your weaknesses. There will be no grades at work, but you will have to solve a lot of problems and issues and show your results, which is where the curiosity, willingness to debate, the ability to defend your own opinion and to listen to others that you have developed during your studies really help. Very often I see among young people a fear of speaking (at various trainings and conferences), a desire to "hide", passive listening (without asking questions). These qualities are very limiting in one's career, and do not allow one to enjoy one's achievements enough and to enjoy the work one does, whatever it may be. So a good student should be aware of this and try to really learn, not just be at university.
What are the qualities of a good student and how do they contribute to a career?
In my opinion, a good student is someone who is eager to learn, active in their studies and responsible in their pursuit of the best possible knowledge. To achieve anything, you need to invest a lot of time and effort, learn how to debate and express yourself, analyse important sources of information and draw conclusions. Examinations are not to be feared; on the contrary, they should be seen as an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge or understand your weaknesses. There will be no grades at work, but you will have to solve a lot of problems and issues and show your results, which is where the curiosity, willingness to debate, the ability to defend your own opinion and to listen to others that you have developed during your studies really help. Very often I see among young people a fear of speaking (at various trainings and conferences), a desire to "hide", passive listening (without asking questions). These qualities are very limiting in one's career, and do not allow one to enjoy one's achievements enough and to enjoy the work one does, whatever it may be. So a good student should be aware of this and try to really learn, not just be at university.
What are your greatest values?
Fairness, responsibility and commitment. These are my core values that influence my attitude towards work, other people and life, and therefore my behaviour every day. If I take on something, I want to do it as well and as fairly as I can with maximum effort. I expect the same from other people. In a training a few years ago, each participant had to state in one sentence his or her personal vision of leadership. My sentence went something like this: "Leading by example, sharing our experiences and solving important problems so that we can all live in a better world." I think it perfectly reflects my core values.
What is the biggest lesson you have learnt in your career path?
With about 10 years of experience in London, I took part in a leadership training where we were asked to identify what we would do differently now at the start of our careers. It wasn't my idea, but I liked it a lot and it was an accurate reflection of my own career path. It's two simple words: 'Worry less'. Often people in charge, including myself, worry too much and are afraid of making mistakes, which can limit them and reduce their confidence. To enjoy your work (and life) more, you need to learn to manage your thoughts and avoid limiting or negative thoughts that could reduce your confidence.
Which personalities do you admire and why?
I have always admired high-achieving and world-renowned leaders of companies and countries. I think most people are attracted to rich and influential people. On the other hand, much of the opinion about them is formed through various media and other media channels and I now realise that some information needs to be treated with more caution. I know a number of people who are not well known in the public eye, who have very interesting experiences and unique personalities, and I am more interested in those people now. I also like to interact and discuss with top executives, to learn from them and to share my experiences.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
I get a lot of pleasure when projects I have contributed to are featured in the Financial Times (London) or Verslo Žinios (Lithuania). I love helping people, teaching them, empowering them to understand why they should do things this way and not that. In my opinion, there are likes and dislikes in all work, because we can't change everything quickly. It's important to enjoy the process of work itself, to look for the inspiring and motivating moments in your work and to appreciate other people's work, whatever it may be. After all, it's easy to say "Hi" to a colleague, a security guard, a cleaner - and that makes your own working environment more comfortable and enjoyable.
