Andreas immediately fell in love with Bath, but knew he was not going to stay forever. A proud Cypriot, his heart remained in his homeland, hoping to return to start his career.
His time at Bath shaped his professional ambitions, laying the foundations for a successful career that eventually led him back to Cyprus in senior roles across the private and public sectors.
Why did you choose to study at Bath?
I chose to study at Bath because of the academic excellence, the vibrant university community and the City of Bath which I loved at first sight during my initial visit.
Can you tell us about your experience of studying here? Do you have any favourite memories or preferred places to visit on campus or in the city?
My experience at the University was filled with many precious memories and life lessons that I carry with me to this day.
I remember both fun and tough times during my experience at Bath. Fun times include the Cyprus Society events for charity – dance performances and selling food and coffee in front of the library – all the events at nightclubs, and the football tournament we organised. 
There were of course the tough times – hard subjects I had difficulty understanding and the long hours of studying and working at the library. These are equally precious memories since, in hindsight, they gave me a valuable lesson as to the results of hard work, perseverance and patience.
Were you part of any societies or sports clubs during your time at Bath? What did you enjoy most about them?
During my time in Bath, I was fortunate to be elected first as Treasurer and then as Chair of The Cyprus Society.
In these positions, I was blessed to have contributed to winning the award of Best Faith and Cultural Society, to raising money for charity, reaching record membership numbers, promoting the University of Bath as an excellent choice for Cypriot students wishing to study in the UK, and of course achieving the mission of the society which is the welfare and improvement of the student experience for Cypriot students.
Even in my first year – when I was not a member of the committee – my membership gave me a sense of belonging, helped me make new friends and greatly contributed in my adjustment to living and studying abroad. It is my firm belief that being a member of any society can be a huge step into adjusting to university life and giving back to the community.
Describe your career journey since graduating. What is a typical day like in your current role?
After graduating, it was my wish to return to Cyprus instead of staying to work in the UK. Unfortunately, my return was in 2013, which was a very troubled time for the economy and labour market, following a banking crisis. Unemployment was high and labour demand low.
At this point, it became evident that a University of Bath degree and the skills cultivated during my time at university were very valuable. My degree helped me secure a job immediately, even in the adverse economic environment, at a Big Four accounting firm. During my time there, I became a Chartered Accountant.
Afterwards, I spent almost a decade in positions of high responsibility in the private sector, ranging from Accounting Manager, Head of Treasury, up to Chief Financial Officer. Four years ago, I was appointed as an Accountant in the Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus, and I am currently placed as Head of Procedures, Systems and Government Grants at the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth in Cyprus.
What do you enjoy most about your career? Has anything surprised you?
I mostly enjoy the challenge and variety that my role offers. Every day is interesting and helps me to improve as a professional.
I am adjacent to the decision-making of government policy and this gives me the unique opportunity to contribute actively to shaping the future of our sports and education system.
I am always fascinated at the variety of challenges and opportunities that come up, the commitment of our public service in achieving its mission, and the different personalities of colleagues and other people that I meet through my work. All these contribute to keeping my mind open and in adjusting to a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
How did your studies help you develop?
My studies helped me cultivate key skills in the workplace such as critical thinking, handling pressure, time-management, planning and executing tasks, and analytical and structured thinking. Furthermore, I learned that hard work, perseverance, and patience always pay off in the end and that these are virtues that help you grow as a person and as a professional.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering studying your course at Bath?
To anyone considering studying Economics at Bath: go for it! It’s a diverse, interesting, and challenging course which will give you skills and life lessons to build a successful career, whether as an
economist or in any other field.
Whatever you choose to study, do not panic in the face of adversity or difficulties. Know that your hard work and perseverance will pay off in the end, you are valued and support is there if you need it, and if you set your mind to something, you can really do it.
Enjoy your studies and make memories that will last you forever – the student years are indeed some of the best years of your life. Always be humble, open to criticism and open to new opportunities, there will be a lot of them!
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