Apostolos Tzouvaras
What were you doing before you came to Warwick?
So you decided to study for another MSc? Yes. Well, it wasn’t the only way forward. I could have attended courses and seminars to build my project management skills and gain certifications. But I really wanted to immerse myself in the subject and achieve something that would make me stand out in the marketplace. Taking an MSc was the obvious option. Why did you choose to study at WMG? I did a lot of research and found that the WMG course offered exactly what I wanted. I liked the mix of modules: the way it balances subjects like project planning, control and risk management with things like human resources management, change and international joint ventures. What did you think of the MSc programme? It was a big surprise to be honest - particularly the way it mixed lectures with real-world experience. Academically, it was very challenging and you’re constantly striving to meet deadlines, which actually makes it feel more like working in a job than studying. The tutors were all great too. They brought practical industry experience so you can see how what you’re learning relates to the issues facing today’s business. Did anything in particular stand out? I especially enjoyed the people management side of things: learning to interact with team members at all levels and lead them towards the achievement of specified goals. After all, I wanted to be a manager; that’s why I changed career in the first place. How did you find the culture at Warwick? It was good to meet and interact with people from across the world. This alone made a huge difference to the learning experience. Working with a wide range individuals with diverse cultural backgrounds is a big eye-opener and makes you think differently. It also prepares you for work in a global industry. How would you sum up your experience of WMG? The whole programme makes you stretch yourself and go outside your comfort zone. But that’s how you learn, by doing things that you’ve never done before. Actually, I found myself doing things that I never thought I was capable of doing. That made me really believe in myself and what I could achieve. I would describe it as a life-changing experience and nothing can prepare you for it.
I looked at the cost performance of major rail infrastructure projects in Europe. That entailed studying two cases: the Olympic rail infrastructure programme for the 2012 games in London and the Athens Metro project which was constructed for the 2004 Olympics. In London the programme was completed on time and on budget, though in Athens the project was delivered five years late with huge cost overruns. As part of my research, I interviewed key personnel at the Olympic Delivery Authority in London and collaborated with University College London and the University of Thessaly in Greece. Did you get involved in any extra-curricular activities at WMG? Only being there for a year, I did want to take advantage of everything on offer! I had the opportunity to present a radio show which was great, as radio has been a love of mine all my life. My programme actually won Radio Warwick’s ‘Best Specialist Show’ award in 2011. In my second term I also worked with a fellow student from Turkey to produce a programme called Greece Turkey Talks. Actually I thought this may be difficult given the differences between our countries but it worked out brilliantly. We did avoid politics though! We played music and talked about our respective cultures, sport and more. Along the way, we discovered that as people, we have more similarities than differences. The whole experience was amazing. So what’s next for you? I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the UK and would like to stay here. I’m finishing my WMG programme next month so a lot of time has been spent researching the jobs market and applying to major companies. I’ve already attended a couple of Assessment Centres and found that what I gained at WMG even helps there. Interacting with people I’ve never met before is much easier now, so if we’re asked to play a business game for example, I jump right in and make the most of it! Anything else you’d like to add? Well, I did find out that I’ve received an Outstanding Scholar Award in recognition of talent and academic excellence at Warwick. This was a huge surprise and I just couldn’t believe it! But it’s the icing on the cake as far as my 12 months here are concerned. All in all, it’s been a great year and one that I will never forget. |
After gaining my first degree in Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, I went on to study for an MSc in Automation Systems in Athens. I then spent a year working in the oil and gas industry, installing automation systems within major oil refineries. During this time, I developed an interest in project management, and I decided to develop my career in that direction.
Tell us a little about your dissertation project.