Introductions_Part3

Meet the Class

entering in Sept. 2017

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Message from the Program Directors

A new MBA class has just started at the University of Cyprus. This year we received a large
number of applications from (a record) 27 different countries. The students admitted were
chosen through a competitive selection.

We are particularly excited with the diversity of the incoming group in terms of gender, age,
nationality (11 different nationalities are represented), educational background and area of
professional work. We have students with educational backgrounds ranging from all fields of
Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Biomedical) to Law, from Business
(Accounting, Finance, Marketing) and Economics to Pharmacy, from Social Sciences (Psychology,
Sociology, Political Science, Education) to Architecture, from Applied Sciences (Physics,
Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology & Genetics) to Humanities (Philosophy, Literature and
Foreign Languages) and Arts. A sizable proportion of the incoming students hold postgraduate
degrees in their respective fields, in some cases multiple degrees or additional professional
diplomas; a few hold doctoral degrees (PhD). The students work in a wide spectrum of fields that
span all sectors of the economy: banking and financial services, legal practice, industrial
production, telecommunications and information technology, construction, shipping, logistics,
commerce and trade, energy and pharmaceutical sectors, research and education, etc., as well as
various public organizations. This very broad diversity enriches opportunities for lively
discussions in the classrooms and cross-fertilization of experiences and ideas through
collaborative work.

The members of the incoming class were invited to introduce themselves in their own words, if
they so wished, and share with the community their motivations for pursuing an MBA degree and
their aspirations for their studies at the University of Cyprus. This brochure presents the
personal introductions of members of the incoming class.

We extend a warm welcome to all students in the incoming class and wish each and every one
success in their studies and fulfillment of their aspirations for professional advancement and
personal development.

MBA Co-Directors
Professor Leonidas C. Leonidou
Professor Nicos Vafeas
Professor Hercules Vladimirou

The newcomers were inducted to the MBA Program of the University of Cyprus with a team-building
workshop that took place at the Caledonia Falls trail on the Troodos mountain on Saturday, Sept. 2,
2017. The pictures on the back-covers highlight activities from that event.

Contact Information:
MBA Program
School of Economics and Management
University of Cyprus
1, University Avenue
2109 Aglandjia, Nicosia, Cyprus

Tel: +357 22893600
Fax: +357 22895020
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: GEORGIA CHRISTOFOROU

NATIONALITY: CYPRIOT AGE: 30

EDUCATION:

 BSc Degree, (2011), Civil Engineer, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece
 MSc Degree, (2012), International Construction Management and Engineering,

University of Leeds, United Kingdom

CURRENT POSITION:
 Property Officer, Bank of Cyprus Public Company Ltd, Cyprus

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

My name is Georgia Christoforou. I was born and raised in Nicosia. I am currently working at the Bank of Cyprus
Public Company Ltd as a Property Officer in the Real Estate Management Unit. I am responsible for an Asset
Portfolio regarding the maintenance, the security and any liabilities of the assets. Additionally, I often participate in
the preparation of business plans related to capital expenditures, operating optimization and maintenance of the
assets.

I hold a BSc degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Thrace and a MSc degree in International Construction
Management and Engineering from the University of Leeds. I have worked as a Civil Engineer in a Construction and
Development Company for almost 4 years. I was responsible for organizing the company’s projects, supervising and
reviewing their progress, analyzing costs and communicating with the customers. It was a great experience and
opportunity to explore the different aspects of my profession and enrich my knowledge regarding business
practices.

Based on the requirements of my current position, I believe that an MBA course will provide me with the required
knowledge to be able to deliver the best possible results. Ι am positive that an MBA course is necessary for
professional development in my line of work.

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: PANAYIOTA HADJIGEORGIOU

NATIONALITY: CYPRIOT AGE: 36

EDUCATION:
 BA, 2004, Public and Business Administration – Finance, University of Cyprus

CURRENT POSITION:
 Officer, Regulatory, Budgeting and Tax Department, Cyprus Cooperative Bank

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

From the time I received my Bachelor degree in Business Administration I knew I wanted to continue my
education, but I decided that it was best to gain work experience first. I have been working full time in
cooperative banks for the last twelve years and I realized that an MBA degree would provide me with a strong
skillset to achieve my professional aspirations. I have been involved with several departments in my work with
the bank and I developed good organizational skills, an analytical approach to tasks and the ability to work
under pressure.

The UCYMBA was at the top of my list because it is the top business program in the country and is recognized
internationally. I’m very happy for the opportunity to join the UCYMBA family.

I like to spend my free time with my family watching movies, playing games or going out with friends.

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: NADIM AL KHOURI

NATIONALITY: PALESTINIAN AGE: 25

EDUCATION:
 BSc, (2014), Computer Science, University of Jordan, Jordan

CURRENT POSITION:
 Software Developer, Zeva International, USA

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

My name is Nadeem Khoury and I come from Bethlehem, Palestine. I received my Bachelor of Science four years
ago from the University of Jordan. I chose to study Computer Science because I believe that technology has a very
wide range of applications that materially affect almost every aspect of our lives. I was part of the student-
mentoring program where I used to advise new students. Additionally, I participated in several international
competitions.

Then, I had the chance to work for an international company as a software developer. During the past three years, I
acquired a lot of experience and practical skills in software development in different programming languages,
computing frameworks and technologies.

I decided that it is time to launch my own startup. I want to develop innovative information technology projects that
serve business needs. I felt that in order to improve the prospects for success in these objectives, I should gain a
deeper understating of the interrelations of management and information technology and how the connections
between management and operations are best served. I started looking for a university that offers a world class
program, internationally recognized faculty and has a strong network of business relationships. I chose to apply to
the MBA at the University of Cyprus. A very attractive aspect of this program is that it combines academic
instruction and practical real-world applications. These, in turn, provide a solid business foundation that improves
graduates’ competitiveness in the job market, by teaching them how to lead and inspire people, and most
importantly how to cope in the ever changing modern business environments. The three years I spent working in
the field of information technology convinced me that our problems do not lie as much in the shortage of resources,
but rather in inadequate management of them.

Studying in Cyprus will provide me the opportunity to learn how to integrate and manage business applications.
Furthermore, I wish to be around innovative IT management professors and business leaders. It will give me the
chance to meet a lot of talented people from different nationalities and cultures and to develop new life-long
relationships.

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: NATASA KIZA

NATIONALITY: CYPRIOT AGE: 30

EDUCATION:

 Bachelor in Pharmacy, 2010, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
 MSc, 2014, Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of

Athens, in collaboration with N.C.S.R. “Demokritos”, Greece
 MSc, 2016, Clinical Pharmacy, Frederick University, Cyprus

CURRENT POSITION:
 Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Services, Ministry of Health, Cyprus

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

I come from a family of pharmacists, operating a pharmacy business, but I wasn’t keenly interested to follow this
career pathway. Ever since I was in high school, I had a strong interest in science subjects, especially those related
to human health. I always wanted to work in healthcare research. I started my career as a pharmacist, offering
healthcare advice to the public and providing prescription and non-prescriptions medicines to patients. I gained
extensive experience on pharmaceuticals, how they’re used and their effects on the human body.

This year I took a position as Pharmacist at the Regulatory Department of Pharmaceutical Services of the Ministry of
Health. In this position, I face the need to combine knowledge of scientific, legal and business issues to validate that
pharmaceutical and medical products comply with regulatory requirements, inspect the appropriateness of
marketing practices of suppliers, and approve licensing, to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical
products placed in the market. Frankly, I hadn’t given much thought to the idea of pursuing an MBA prior to taking
on my current position. After a few months in my new role, I realized that, besides a strong technical background,
solid understanding of business and administrative matters is essential for managerial positions in the healthcare
sector. Hereafter, I believe that an MBA degree is the best step in order to pursue a leading position in healthcare
management.

Having completed two Master of Science degrees, I am fascinated by the prospect to further continue my learning
so as to develop management and financial skills, as well as to acquire broader strategic perspectives. The
University of Cyprus presents a superb opportunity for learning in this field as it is ranked respectably high
worldwide. The MBA program of UCY was my top choice because of its excellent reputation; I was elated to hear of
my admission to the part-time program for the fall of 2017. I look forward to the opportunity to transform myself
to an effective leader with confidence and acute understanding of business methods and practices, while continuing
my career.

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: XENIOS KOUMIDES

NATIONALITY: CYPRIOT AGE: 25

EDUCATION:
 Bachelor of Laws, (2016), University of Central Lancashire, UK

CURRENT / RECENT POSITIONS:

 Trainee Lawyer (Pupillage), Kallis & Kallis LLC, Cyprus – Current Position
 Intern, L. Papaphilippou & Co. LLC, Cyprus – Recent Position

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Hello there! I will introduce myself with alacrity, as I strongly adhere to the doctrine of ‘Brevity is Mastery’. My
name is Xenios and it derives from Xenios Zeus, the patron deity of Hospitality in the Greek Pantheon.

I am a larger-than-life dilettante; a true ‘jack of all trades, master of none’. An avid reader, a bookworm that
recently delved into the mystical world of eastern literature (R. Tagore, Wu Cheng - current favourites). Being a
foodie with the appetite of a behemoth, exercise is mandatory in maintaining a ‘reasonable’ weight; therefore, I lift
weights and attend Yoga/Pilates/Tai chi classes. I am also a dilettante in its original meaning i.e. interested in art
and currently exploring it, occasionally ‘blessing’ my rooms with charcoal dust - induced mayhems. My bookcase
sports four medals from the Cyprus’ Mathematical Olympiad, next to a diploma stating that I am a certified
Heineken beer-pourer. Having attended a few wine-tasting sessions, I have practiced how to be posh and swirl my
wine with the elegance of a true connoisseur, and having my own classification system of wine quality: Potable/Pass

I started my university education in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. I felt that I would never be happy as an
engineer. I quit, and turned to a ‘similar’ topic; Law. I have (almost) completed my pupillage in Kallis & Kallis LLC,
and I will be a qualified barrister in Cyprus by this December.

Being an exceedingly turbulent INFP, my current strategy is comprehensive self-improvement. I used to be the
embodiment of procrastination. After an arduous (decade-long) effort, I have improved by leaps and bounds; I am
now a procrastinator that can -still- be counted on. Albeit I’ve been told that I appear to be an affable individual, I
am not particularly good at working in tandem with people nor in Guanxi. I chose UCY’s Greek part-time MBA
programme primarily for these reasons; likewise, I wish to refine my eloquence in Greek after a decade of
abandonment. The MBA programme will also serve as my stepping stone in entering an even/ever broader job
sector.

Why did I choose the University of Cyprus’ MBA programme? Mostly for the University’s excellent name in the
Cypriot job-market, as well as to acquire job experience concurrently with my studies. Last but not least, I aspire to
realize my greatest vocational desires within a decade; i.e. to work for a cause that will still pay the bills, in an
environment that will involve positive and constructive human interaction.

I called for alacrity, for brevity… but I lied  I was all but short and concise. Do not trust strangers. - Xenios.

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: ALEXIS KOUROUPIS

NATIONALITY: GREEK & GERMAN AGE: 34

EDUCATION:

 BA, German Language and Literature, 2009, Linguistics and Literature, National and
Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece

CURRENT / RECENT POSITIONS:

 Sales Executive, Fidelisco Capital Markets, Cyprus
 Area Manager, Siegenia Group, Germany

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Hometown: Kavala, Greece.

I was born in Germany and raised in Greece. I hold a degree in German Language and Literature from the University
of Athens. My professional background is in Sales Management; I began my career as an area sales manager in
Greece, focusing primarily on the Greek and Cypriot markets.

As I started to explore different MBA options in Cyprus, I was guided by my motives to best serve my professional
and personal development prospects. Through an MBA I look to gain a strong foundation in general business
knowledge to combine it with my work experience.

I found that the MBA program of the University of Cyprus delivers exactly that, a spectrum of courses with the
flexibility to discover and pursue new areas of interest through its elective offerings. Furthermore, the case-method
employed in the program forces you to think beyond the textbook theory; it presents a problem solving-based
learning environment that demands critical thinking for real-world business situations.

From my first few weeks in the program, I see that we are consistently encouraged to challenge assumptions,
embrace complexity, and deal with the ambiguity of the real world. Most importantly, I find myself surrounded by a
group of remarkably intelligent and motivated classmates who bring a diverse set of experiences and unique
perspectives to the team. For me, collaborative learning at UCY means that we push each other far beyond our
individual comfort zones, all in a highly supportive learning environment (creativity in progress).

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: CHRYSOVALANTIS PAPANTONIS

NATIONALITY: CYPRIOT AGE: 28

EDUCATION:

 Master of Science (MSc), (2015), Biomedical and Biotechnology Engineering,
University of Cyprus

 Bachelor of Science (BSc), (2013), Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering,
University of Cyprus

CURRENT POSITION:
 Mechanical Engineer, Anaxagoras Pneumatics LTD Industrial Automation, Cyprus

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

I received my Bachelor and Master Degree in Engineering from the University of Cyprus and I truly enjoyed the
experience. Right after graduating, I was employed in a company which specializes in industrial automation and
concentrates its activities on the research and development of new systems to be used in the high-tech industry.
During my experience in the design and implementation of a diverse range of projects, while enjoying solving
problems and the cross-industry nature of the work, I realized the importance and fascinating side of
entrepreneurship. This prompted me to explore aspects of investment and the venture capital industry. I decided
to study these matters more systematically and formally; the MBA program gives me this opportunity.

When I decided to continue my studies at the MBA level, obviously UCY was at the top of my list. The possibility of
part-time study, the school's academic reputation, the infrastructure and modern facilities were the primary
reasons that convinced me.

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: FILIPPOS PARPAS

NATIONALITY: CYPRIOT AGE: 25

EDUCATION:
 BSc, Quantity Surveying (2015), Frederick University, Cyprus

CURRENT POSITION:
 Operations Manager Assistant, Nora Furnishings, Cyprus

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Hello everyone! My name is Filippos Parpas and I am 25 years old. I grew up in Palaichori, a town in the Nicosia district.

I acquired my BSc in Quantity Surveying from Frederick University, Cyprus in June 2015 with distinction, among the top
three in my class. Since then, I work as Operations Manager Assistant at Nora Furnishing Ltd, one of the leading
companies in office furniture production and supply in Cyprus. My primary responsibility is the smooth functioning of the
firm’s production department. My duties also include the preparation and costing of tenders, valuation of changes of
tender documents and outstanding orders, support to the sales department, stock control and management via an ERP
system, issuance of production orders to the production department and supervision of personnel working at the factory.

My goal is to further develop my skills and knowledge, in order to be able to perform more effectively in any management
position I may undertake in the future. I am certain that the MBA Program of the University of Cyprus will provide me
with the necessary tools and knowledge to achieve my goals.

One of the reasons that I chose to apply to the University of Cyprus is the high reputation and respect that the MBA
Program has achieved among employers. It is widely acknowledged that the Program’s high reputation in Cyprus, as well
as internationally, attracts highly skilled students from diverse backgrounds – a fact that provides an inspiring educational
environment which aspiring managers are very eager to enter.

I am a quiet individual. I enjoy playing football, watching movies and travelling around the world.

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: ANDREA PETSA

NATIONALITY: CYPRIOT AGE: 28

EDUCATION:
 BSc, Electrical Engineering, University of Cyprus

CURRENT / RECENT POSITION:
 Independent Contractor – Online Business Owner, Self Employed, Cyprus

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Hello MBA Class, my name is Andrea Petsa and I am a graduate of the University of Cyprus’ School of Engineering,
having majored in Electrical Engineering. Choosing an Electrical Engineering major was a manifestation of my
passion for mathematics, science and technology and a restless drive to understand the physical world. However,
during my journey I found that my love for both technology and design converged into my becoming an
entrepreneur in 2014. This allowed me not only to combine my studies with a new career, but also to open myself
to a completely new field.

So far, everything I have achieved in business endeavors I have done so intuitively or after conducting my own
research and practice. An MBA would give me the necessary solid methodological foundation and academic
knowledge needed to hone my calling and business acumen.

However, this is only part of the reason I decided to embark on this journey to receive my MBA; another big part
was the networking aspect of the program. After the largely solitary journey of getting my undergraduate degree
paired with the independent nature of my current work, to branch out and engage with talented individuals from
around the world, stemming from all walks of academia on a daily basis, will be a fascinating and welcome change. I
crave a year of being challenged intellectually while enjoying the company of my fellow MBA peers, who will later
become esteemed connections and ideally, life-long friends.

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: AMALIA REGGIS

NATIONALITY: GREEK & ENGLISH AGE:

EDUCATION:
 LLB in European Law, 2016, Maastricht University, The Netherlands

CURRENT / RECENT POSITIONS:

 Corporate Administrator at Vallingham Services Ltd., Cyprus
 Paralegal/Corporate Administrator at Christos Patsalides L.L.C., Cyprus
 Court Clerk Work Placement at Staffordshire Magistrates Court, UK

I am half Greek and half Scottish and I have lived in both countries. I have an LLB in European Law which I
obtained from the University of Maastricht, The Netherlands. There, I spent three years before deciding to
make the leap across the seas to Cyprus. I had decided that after my Law degree I would pursue a career in
Business. Since I am fluent in both English and Greek, it seemed Cyprus would be a good place to explore due
to its appeal of, amongst many things, quality of life and having one of the lowest tax rates in the European
Union.

The primary reason I want to participate in this program is my desire to change my career path. I currently
work fulltime as a corporate administrator, so I am continuously delving deeper and deeper into the field of
Business Administration. It is apparent that managing and administration involve extensive and useful skills -
people will always need them. Learning such skills will enable me to have more opportunities to achieve my
life-time goal of opening my own bakery business.

In my ‘me time’ I like to keep fit – jogging, exercising in the gym and swimming. I hugely love basketball
which, considering my small height is usually surprising. I love to bake and generally I would class going out to
eat with my friends as a hobby. Who doesn’t love food?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many places in the world; on those travels I love to meet new and
interesting people, as well as explore new cultures. I hope that I can continue this at the University of Cyprus.

“ If opportunity doesn’t knock. Build a door”.

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

``

Meet the Class entering in Sept. 2017

NAME: KYRIAKOS TSANGARAS

NATIONALITY: CYPRIOT AGE: 32

EDUCATION:

 Dr.rer.nat, (2014), Molecular Virology and Genetics, Freie University of Berlin, DE
 MSPHR, (2011), Forensic Serology and DNA, University of Florida, USA
 MSc, (2011), Molecular Biology and Genetics, Old Dominion University, USA
 BSc, (2007), Biology, Old Dominion University, USA

CURRENT / RECENT POSITIONS:

 Researcher, Institute of Zoo and Wildlife Diseases, Berlin, DE
 ERC Post-Doctoral Fellow, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, CY
 R&D Manager, NIPD Genetics, CY

PERSONAL INTRODUCTION

Always a doer and a believer in lifelong education, I have fully committed my efforts to learning and science
research. My choice of field and career opportunities landed me in the USA to start my academic journey. I was so
mesmerized by the amazing world of Biology that I felt I had a lot to learn and give to the field. I pursued two
postgraduate degrees in Molecular Biology and Genetics and Forensic Serology and DNA at two academic
institutions in the US. After graduation, my involvement in a project opened the opportunity to continue my
research in Europe, where I enrolled as a PhD student at the Freie University of Berlin. After completing my PhD in
Molecular Virology and Genetics, I obtained a post-doctoral fellowship at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and
Genetics (CING), where I worked under the guidance of Professor Phillipos Patsalis. I joined a research team that
had undertaken various projects, but mainly focused on the development of a non-invasive prenatal test. After two
years at CING I moved to NIPD Genetics, a spin-off company of CING, in an R&D managerial position, and
collaborated with a group of researchers for the development of “Veracity”, a non-invasive prenatal test for
detection of chromosomal aneuploidies – the first European non-invasive prenatal test that hit the market. My
transition from academic research to industry has provided me with newfound motivation to pursue an MBA
degree so as to enrich my lifelong education and hone my managerial skills in the path to further advancement of
my career.

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy

www.mba.ucy.ac.cy