Bayes Business School alumnus Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is the Chairman of easyGroup and is most famous for founding easyJet at the age of 28. He graduated from Bayes with an MSc in Shipping, Trade and Finance in 1988. Each year the Stelios Scholarships provide four scholarships to UK and EU students studying a master's in finance or entrepreneurship related degrees.

The scholars

Dionysios Kantzias, MSc Shipping Trade and Finance

What motivated you to choose to study at Bayes?

Bayes Business School is one of the greatest in the world, with an excellent reputation and alumnus in significant positions worldwide. Many of my friends have taken their master's here and all of them gave me great feedback. The academic performance and learning are high. I believe that Bayes prepares students for their future jobs and helps to obtain an overall view of the market. There are a lot of exciting courses, some of them focusing on the shipping industry and projects that require good collaboration and good knowledge of the sector. Master’s degrees are not easy, but students can gain so much that I recommend it—a unique experience.

Studying MSc Shipping, Trade and Finance was a dream for me, I knew that I wanted to take it many years ago before even I took my bachelor's degree. The reputation of the master’s and the program contents for me is a great combination.

What impact has receiving the Stelios scholarship had on you and your studies?

First of all, receiving the Stelios scholarship is a great honour. Receiving the scholarship means that I become a member of a large organization, of a team. I remember the day I received my Stelios scholarship! I felt that my hard work for excellence in academic and professional level were rewarded. At the same time, I immediately felt the responsibility to keep trying for the best and I knew that at the future I want to give back to the society and especially to the organisation. It was a unique feeling and moment.

I would recommend my master's to anyone, as it is a unique experience. I strongly believe that the effort, money, and time are worth it.

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Brent Wheeldon, MSc Finance

What motivated you to study finance?

Finance was always where I anticipated my career to begin. My undergraduate degree was in mathematics and economics which gave me exposure to finance in my final year. I had previously viewed finance as a practical subject I could learn on a job, but I had really enjoyed the academic side of the subject and decided to pursue the master’s degree at Bayes.

The MSc Finance at Bayes was very well structured, with broad coverage of the subject that would allow me to figure out which specialty I would like to follow. The course also had the most practical elements that I knew would give me industry-relevant skills, particularly in valuation and financial modelling. The careers support was well-reviewed and the alumni base were very friendly and helpful, some of whom I spoke to prior to applying. Previous cohorts had already kickstarted their careers which gave me confidence in the business school to help do the same for me.

My master’s at Bayes has overdelivered on my expectations. Moving to London has been fantastic and I have noticed greater success in graduate scheme applications, due to both the technical skills learnt on the course and the experiences gained alongside it. I couldn’t be studying with better people, either.

How are you finding your master's so far?

So far, I’ve found that the material is challenging, but certainly not overwhelming. The lecturers are all excellent at explaining the topics and the coursework and midterm tests keep us on top of the material. As expected with a master’s it all gets easier the more work you put in and it helps having a motivating cohort around you to study with.

What impact has receiving the Stelios scholarship had on you and your studies?

I am self-funding my tuition fees and previously would have needed to work alongside my studies to afford the tuition. With the Stelios scholarship, postgraduate loan, and by working full-time over summer, I was instead able start the course having covered the fees, which was incredible to be able to do. I used the reclaimed time to join the Bayes M&A and Private Equity Society and gained work experience at a local advisory firm throughout the year, both of which have been a huge boost on my CV and helped with my job search.

When I found out I was receiving the scholarship, I was in a store trying on new shoes for my summer job when I found out and celebrated with the assistant helping me. It was an unbelievable feeling as I knew it would completely transform my experience at Bayes.

The Stelios scholarships are open to permanent residents of the UK and EU. Applications close on 17^th May 2022.

Find out more about the Stelios scholarships and other scholarships available here.