“Hugely challenging – but worth every minute”

When he came to WMG, Themistoklis Mavroeidis knew that a full-time Masters course would stretch him academically. But as he soon discovered, life at Warwick is about broadening personal horizons too.

Themistoklis arrived to study at Warwick in September 2007 - though he had singled out WMG two years before. “I originally visited in 2005,” he explained. “I was working through my first degree in Computer Engineering and Informatics in Greece and had decided to follow it up with an MSc. Warwick’s reputation speaks for itself - and after seeing the facilities and chatting with staff, I knew it was the place for me.”

Themistoklis chose the one-year Programme and Project Management course, aiming to build on his technical background with an understanding of project principles, tools, methodologies and philosophies.

With a diverse range of modules to cover in a short time, he certainly found the programme challenging. “It was pretty intensive - well, very intensive at times,” he said. “But the great thing at WMG is the support and resources that are available. Everything is in place for you to succeed. You just need to put in the hard work!”

The results of that hard work became clear when, as part of a team, he represented WMG in a competition run by the Association of Project Management. “It was interesting to compare our team with students from other universities. The students from WMG knew the theory and practical application of tools better than anyone else.”

What Themistoklis achieved at WMG was all the more remarkable when you realise that he wasn’t just studying, but also working to set up a joint-venture company based in China. Run with two partners, this fast-growing enterprise facilitates trade between China and Europe.

His MSc dissertation focused on this very subject. “I looked at how responsive supply chains could be established between UK companies and Chinese suppliers,” said Themistoklis. “It’s a really fascinating area that explores cultural differences.

“For example, many British companies prefer ‘arms length’ relationships with suppliers. But this may not always be appropriate – or the best was of doing things. I wanted to seek out ways that organisations could work more closely and effectively for everyone’s benefit.”

As a subject, it seems a long way from his original specialism of IT engineering. Themistoklis agreed: “Yes it is, but study is all about broadening your horizons and discovering new areas that interest you. Without doubt, WMG helped me to do just that. It’s also about taking a wider view of things and developing a well-rounded skill-set. For example, studying project management doesn’t just help you become a better project manager. What you learn impacts on many other areas too – both professionally and personally.”

The theme of ‘broadening horizons’ came up again and again as Themistoklis talked about his time at WMG.  “One of the best things was the chance to get to know people from right across the world,” he said. “You really do have to grab that opportunity. It’s fantastic to make so many new friends and learn about other cultures.”

For Themistoklis and his fellow students, food played a big part in that. Every couple of weeks, some 15 or 20 people would gather to sample dishes from different countries. “I would team up with others who were interested in cooking. So for example, one night we could have dishes from Wales, Pakistan, Greece, China – you name it!”

Food for thought indeed – and just one reason why Themistoklis described his year at WMG as an ‘all-round learning experience’.