JS

Istanbul, Turkey

James
Symes.

PwC Associate

A strategic thinker with experience in consulting, research, and entrepreneurship, combining analytical problem-solving with a strong international perspective. Driven by curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning.

A bit about me.

A PwC Associate based in Istanbul with a background spanning management consulting, academic research, and business development. I hold a BA in International Relations from Koç University and have worked across four countries — from EU policy research in Brussels for TUSIAD, to economic case studies for Harvard Business School's MENA Research Centre, to data-driven client work at Simon-Kucher & Partners. Analytical by instinct and entrepreneurial by nature, I thrive where strategy meets stakeholder engagement, and bring a global perspective shaped by a bilingual upbringing and education across the UK and Turkey.

Where I've worked.

2025 — Present

Associate

PwC · Istanbul

At PwC’s Valuation, Modelling & Analytics (VMA) department, I support valuation and financial analysis engagements through financial modelling, DCF valuation, and WACC analysis. Alongside traditional valuation work, I focus on developing AI-driven agents and automation tools designed to streamline analytical workflows, improve efficiency, and support data-driven decision-making across the department.

Feb — May 2025

Associate Consultant Intern

Simon-Kucher · Istanbul

Contributed to two client-facing projects — one part-time, one full-time — analysing large datasets through the firm's "Data Cube" platform and co-creating deliverables with senior consultants. Several of my data-driven insights were directly implemented in client presentations.

Jan — Jun 2024

Research Assistant

Harvard Business School — MENA Research Centre · Istanbul

Supported the development of region-specific business case studies by transcribing confidential interviews and conducting in-depth research on economic trends across the Middle East and North Africa. Assisted in organising events for visiting professors and strengthened HBS's academic ties in the region.

Jul — Dec 2021

Business Development

SmartOPT · Istanbul

Led business development at a supply chain optimisation firm, conducting market research and delivering investor presentations on the company's blockchain and AI solutions. Expanded the firm's network and raised brand awareness across the industry.

Aug — Nov 2018

Research Assistant

TUSIAD · Brussels

Represented Türkiye's leading business organisation at EU policymaker panels, drafting detailed memos on key discussions. Co-authored white papers with fellow interns providing strategic insights on European policy developments that supported TUSIAD's presence in Brussels.

Jun — Aug 2016

Research Assistant

Brookings Institution · Washington D.C.

Organised and analysed extensive datasets for senior researchers at the premier Washington think tank. Attended and documented high-level EU policymaker panels and contributed research support to a senior staff member's publication.

What I bring.

Microsoft Excel & Power BI Data Analysis Market Research Legal Research Public Speaking Stakeholder & Client Engagement AI Agent Development Prompt Engineering Claude Code Automation & Process Optimisation

Academic background.

2021 — 2025

BA International Relations

Koç University — GPA: 3.4

2017 — 2021

Certificate in Higher Education in International Relations

SOAS – School of Oriental and African Studies

2014 — 2017

International Baccalaureate

ACS Cobham London