Globetrotters: Angelique Takes Houston

This spring Weaver had four visiting staff members participate in the Weaver Secondment Program. See how Angelique Zammit from Pitcher Partners experienced accounting life in Texas through Weaver’s Secondment Program.

Name: Angelique Zammit                           

Position: Senior Associate I, Houston

Dates: January – April 2017

Local Firm: Pitcher Partners (Melbourne, Australia)

What were the objectives of the secondment?

To gain exposure to GAAP and different client industries which I wouldn’t regularly work on in Australia. Texas really appealed to me due to the high amount of oil and gas clients that I thought would be interesting to work with and gain a different skill set.

Briefly detail your secondment experience.

The experience has been a once in a lifetime experience. In terms of the work, I have been exposed to a diverse range of clients which I have learned so much from. Weekends were always filled with activities, whether it was an out-of-state trip, exploring Houston or a Texas road trip. There were many amazing places visited. Thanks to the southern hospitality from the clients, fellow employees and even strangers, everyone truly made us feel at home in Texas.

What have you learned as a result of the secondment experience?

That when someone asks you go to brunch, said brunch will most likely involve mimosas or some kind of alcohol. I also have a new found appreciation for country music.

What was something that surprised you about the local culture?

I don’t know if it was a surprise, but the secondment experience reaffirmed the saying that “Everything is bigger in Texas” — monster trucks, highways, food portions and, well, even the menus.

What was a challenge you had to overcome while being in Houston?

The driving has been the biggest challenge. Getting used to driving on the other side of the road has taken a while, as well learning to navigate Houston’s many highways.

Did you pick up a local phrase or habit while here? 

This would have to be “y’all” (definitely a term I’m taking back home) and “buddy.”

Name a favorite experience from the trip. 

This is a hard one! The rodeo or barbeque cook-off would have to be up there as one of my favorite experiences. I also enjoyed Mardi Gras in New Orleans and getting to explore Houston’s magnitude of culturally diverse restaurants.