Nefeli Agkyridou
Nationality: Greek
Programme: Modular Executive MBA, 2017
Pre-MBA:Associate Producer,CNBC, London, UK
Post-MBA: Director of Online Media, Star Channel, Athens, Greece
Current industry: Media
Transitions made: Function, Location
Why did you decide to do the Modular Executive MBA programme?
I started my career as a journalist in Athens many years ago. After passing my master’s degree in International Journalism at City University of London, I stayed in London and had the opportunity to work for large international broadcasters. Having worked for various media organisations, I felt I had something more to offer – I had some good ideas for improving the way in which media organisations operate, but I couldn’t really structure my thoughts to convince others of the changes that had to be made.
I decided that the Cass Business School Modular Executive MBA would give me the right balance of business skills and the ability to articulate my ideas more clearly. In addition, the programme structure allowed me to fit my studies around my full-time role as an Associate Producer at CNBC in London.
What was the learning experience like?
The learning experience was refreshing. If you have no previous experience of a particular subject, it isn’t a problem. Everything is presented in an easy-to-understand and practical way – I still apply a lot of the learning in my work today.
During the programme, I completed a number of electives around innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as digital strategy. Cass presented the opportunity to experience the business environment in Silicon Valley, South Africa and China. The Silicon Valley elective, in particular, was very valuable, as I learnt more about digital business models, a piece of knowledge that I am applying in my current role.
The International Consultancy week in Vietnam at the end of the first year provided a chance to get to know my group better and discover their different learning styles and approaches to problem solving. There was also the opportunity to explore different career paths. Even though I didn’t pursue them all, I now know what is out there.
What careers development support did you receive?
As well as the formal studies, there were many development courses to help us round out our soft skills. The Advanced Presentation skills workshop fully addressed one of the reasons I took the programme. I can now formulate my ideas and present them concisely and at the right level, whether I am talking to CEOs or operational personnel.
The Achieving Your Potential weekend provided the opportunity to really bond with my classmates and understand what drives me. It also improved my confidence and enabled me to work better with others and get the most out of the programme.
The Careers Team supported me in many ways and the one-on-one meetings helped ensure that my CV looked good and that I had strong interviewing skills to back it up.
How has the programme helped you in your career?
My Business Mastery Project was related to my current job at Star Channel and served as a showcase of my learning to my employer, which helped secure my promotion within the organisation.
After completing the Modular EMBA, I was offered a more executive role, as Director of Online Media at Star Channel in Athens. I really enjoy my new position, as I am responsible for developing strategy as well as directing the daily operations.
Looking back now, I know that the move to Greece and advancement in my career was directly because of the Cass Modular EMBA.