Previous Institution
University of Patras -
Tell us about your career journey since you graduated…
I pursued a hands-on industry career; somehow, I thought that telecommunications would be a good fit and indeed still is. I started with Vodafone and then decided to come back home to join a then vibrant new start-up of 20 people called U-TX, another big school for me. Thoughts of re-joining academic life came and went, and I grew with the company. The company was sold to a corporation, exposing me to all stages which a company goes through. I then decided to join a smaller and faster company, which is my current job. Hopefully soon I will try a company of my own founding.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
Emails, coffee and meetings - hopefully in corridors - or if the pile starts picking up snow at the top, then book the meeting room. UX/UI reviews, prepare demonstrations, chat with key Engineers.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
I think the months that followed the merger of the previous company I worked for with its buyer, Verint Corp. A start-up having gone past its go-go times and now into great profitability and speed - having to slow a bit down - to almost 'allow' a corporation to re-organise and put procedures in place. Creativity naught - but what a fascinating example of how to control good chaos without breaking anything but its velocity.
How would you say Brunel helped you to get where you are today?
Coming to Brunel came with a lot of firsts for me. First time in London, in student halls, first lessons in a language other than Greek. This exposure, and the great educators I met, confirmed to me that the road to success is not a one-way road. I was a transfer student, which in Top Gear math is a drop-out that got a second chance and finished near the top of his class. Graham Hawks is still on the wall. Proud.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I remember that I joined Brunel because of its reputation for strong ties to many industries. I believe this and the single large campus, conveniently placed in the outskirts of London, were the most important things for me.
What is your best memory of studying here?
The Brunel Skydiving Club. I remember a fellow student from the same hall joined and challenged me to join as well. The bet was a pint of fine lager - so to claim the prize I joined. I can recall every single minute of my first day on the plane, a once in a lifetime experience.
If you could give one piece of advice to new students, what would that be?
Don't leave everything for the exam period. Period.
What would be your top tip or advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey?
Keep trying until you succeed. Failure will teach you to recognise success.
#IamBrunel