Howdy Y'all: A Secondee's Experience at Weaver Part 4
This year Weaver had four visiting staff members participate in the Weaver Secondment Program, two working in Dallas and two in Houston. See what Matt Stevens from Pitcher Partners in Australia had to say about his experience at Weaver and in the United States.
Name: Matt Stevens
Position: Senior Associate I, Audit, Houston
Dates: January – April 2016
Hometown: Melbourne, Australia
What were the objectives of the secondment?
The main objective was to be exposed to a broad range of new experiences and people, both at the office and outside of work, and to develop a new range of skills and ideas, as well as to improve on my existing experience.
Briefly detail your secondment experience.
My experience has been great – I was made to feel very welcome at Weaver from day one. I learned a lot about a fairly foreign industry (oil and gas) and was exposed to some different audit approaches and methodology. My weekends and week nights were full of adventures with new friends!
What have you learned as a result of the secondment experience?
While there are many ways to get there, the end goal of an audit remains the same. However, there are many improvements that can be made by observing different approaches. I also learned that stepping out of your comfort zone really makes work more valuable and enjoyable.
What was something that surprised you about the local culture?
The cowboy is still alive and well! I expected to see some of the cowboy culture during my stay but I was genuinely surprised that saying “y’all” and wearing your boots was completely acceptable in the corporate world.
What was a challenge you had to overcome while being in the United States?
Driving on the other side of the road was an early challenge, particularly with Houston’s traffic!
Did you pick up a local phrase or habit while here?
I’m still not saying y’all. Maybe with another 3 months it might have caught on!
Name a favorite experience from the trip.
There are too many! The Houston cook-off was a lot of fun, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans was crazy. But, the weekend in Austin which included a swim in the Hamilton pools, wake surfing on Lake Travis and countless laps of 6th Street would have to be my favorite.