1. Describe your professional situation and your journey here.
In 2012 I graduated from the Computer Science department (BSc) of IST College, while in 2014 I completed the MSc in Mobile Computing, in collaboration with the University of Hertfordshire (UH), UK. On the occasion of the student innovation and entrepreneurship competition organized by IST College in 2012 – and the distinction of our team/idea – my entrepreneurial journey and the establishment of the company SimpleApps began. Today I am co-founder & Lead Product and UI/UX Designer at the company, a multi-awarded mobile and digital marketing agency, which works with some of the most popular brands in Greece. The company’s services have been distinguished with more than 18 innovation, design and entrepreneurship awards worldwide. I have represented Greece at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit 2016 (GES) organized in San Francisco, I participated as a Role Model in the #WomenChangingGreece campaign organized by the American Embassy in Greece, while I have twice been included in Fortune’s 40under40 list. I often participate as a speaker in startup competitions, speeches and events about entrepreneurship, women in technology, while I organize hands-on workshops on digital/mobile product design, UI/UX and mobile marketing. I am a co-organizer of the GDG Athens (Google Developers Group Athens) and WTM Greece (Women Techmakers) actions and a trainer in the digital marketing program of the Grow with Google action and the Digital Marketing Diploma of IST College.
2. How did you decide to pursue this profession?
From an early age I had a strong interest in the development of technology, while I was excited by the process of creation – from a thought to paper. This was the reason for me to study IT and combine my knowledge with entrepreneurship – specifically mobile application development.
3. What criteria did you use to choose IST College for your field of interest?
The combination of studies in Greece, with a recognized degree and study program of an English university – in the field of Informatics.
4. What do you think is the most important benefit you got from choosing IST College to study?
The profile of a “business facing” college, which creates opportunities, encourages and supports its students over time to engage in entrepreneurship and innovation, was later the reason to create my own team and technology company.
5. What is the best experience/memory from your studies at IST College?
My graduation speech for my degree! Just the thought of addressing such a large audience made me incredibly anxious. And while I was shaking as soon as I got on stage – I turned to the audience and saw the smiles of my fellow students and professors. And so simply I remembered all the wonderful times they had given me over the years – I may have been the only girl in the department, but they made me feel special and I thank them.
6. What is the most important goal you have set and achieved as a professional now? How did IST College contribute to this?
Immediate professional employment is usually one of the biggest concerns of graduates. The college course provided me with knowledge, experiences and a recognized degree from the labor market – so that with confidence, I could not only apply for a job in Greece and abroad, but also create the conditions to be active in business from a young age.
7. What advice would you give to young people who are now starting their studies?
Not to be satisfied only with the knowledge that their study program will offer, but to take advantage of their student years by participating in events, conferences and career days. It is an essential opportunity to gain knowledge from different fields and to expand “build” their professional network.
8. What are the reasons why you would recommend IST College to young people who wish to study?
Comprehensive study program and recognized foreign degree with the possibility of studying in Greece. But perhaps the most important reason is the people of IST – the management and the teaching staff, who express their continuous interest and support their students selflessly – at every step of their development.
