Previous Institution
Athens University of Economics and Business - Bachelor's
Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
I started my professional career as Credit Analyst at Piraeus Bank SA in 2007. Since then, I have worked as Assistant Accountant (Accounting Solutions SA), Financial Controller (Hazelton Ltd), Internal Auditor (Attica Wealth Management SA). I joined Attica Bank SA in 2014. I am currently an Anti-Money Laundering / Compliance Analyst (previous positions: HR Supervisor, Procurement Analyst).
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
An average day includes background checks and other screening on the customer onboarding. I also assess alerts and investigate suspicious activities. In addition, I provide guidance on regulations and address any employee concerns or questions on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorist Financing issues.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
I have been chosen to design from scratch the AML Department Presentation and write the relevant handout. The objective of this project has been to present our mission and vision statements, as well to raise awareness of compliance. The outcome of my work has been highly appreciated.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
Brunel helped me to develop a growth mindset, be well-organized, attend to details, meet deadlines, and follow netiquette rules. These capabilities have helped me become more efficient at work, and I have been a useful member of any team I have worked with.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
To begin with, Brunel was recommended to me during my undergraduate studies at Athens University of Economics and Business by a professor who had studied and taught at Brunel himself. Needless to say, I liked the idea of studying abroad and living near Central London. As a student at Brunel, I found the curriculum well-structured and of high quality. Last but not least, I would like to point out that people at Brunel were very helpful and eager to provide all the necessary information during admission. So, their approach was also a reason for me to choose Brunel for my postgraduate studies. I would strongly recommend Brunel to everyone. While studying at Brunel, people will have the opportunity to broaden their horizons and be part of a multicultural society. They could become more independent and self-directed learners, improve their English, make international friends for life, expand their network, and enjoy the exceptional facilities at Uxbridge Campus.
What is your best memory of studying here?
My studies at Brunel (MSc in Finance and Accounting) were different than the undergraduate ones in my home country. At Brunel there was a connection, a sense of community between the students. It was like we all studied towards a common and agreed goal – that is, to succeed. I will never forget the gatherings we had (whether in the Library or in someone’s flat) working on projects. We encouraged each other, shared notes, and studied together several times.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
One piece of advice to new students would be to set realistic and attainable goals regarding their studying. In that way, they will be self-disciplined, self-motivated, happy for their achievements, and of course they will enjoy Brunel journey. So, if I were addressing new students, I would tell them ‘Be self-directed learner and study every day even for 30 mins and you will not regret it’.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
My top tip for new graduates would be to spend some time thinking what they would like to achieve within 1 year and 5 years merely from a professional perceptive. Goal setting will be very useful. It will give them direction and they will always have a clear focus to move forward and succeed.
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