Get Involved started as an initiative in 2017 by a group of students. Through effort, hard work, and a shared vision for addressing structural needs to highlight new ideas and creative initiatives, the team launched a successful series of actions. Among the achievements so far is a globally innovative conference aimed at students, a series of educational seminars, and an academic journal. Vasilis Angelopoulos is the founder of Get Involved, and he spoke to us at envinow about the conference and its activities.

How did the idea for Get Involved come about?

Get Involved started just like all great things in life—by chance. It began with a group of friends who, inspired by conferences in Greece and abroad, decided to leverage the significant added value of Greek economists’ knowledge in promoting and cultivating economic education. We aim to develop economic education in Greece with a focus on the principles of interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and an open-team approach. We’ve encountered open-minded individuals and supporters who see our initiative’s drive, and they form the Board of Advisors and support our strategic partnerships. We thank them for investing in education and the empowerment of young people.

What does the Get Involved conference include?

The European Central Bank Simulation Conference, organized successfully for the third year by Get Involved, is a unique opportunity for students in Greece. The conference is innovative in the field of Experiential Student Education, offering the most modern approach to the key economic issues affecting the European and global economic communities. In addition to the Get Involved team, composed of students from all over Greece, the scientific credibility of the project is enhanced by academics and organizations who collaborate with the company, contributing to its improvement.

This year’s conference will be held in December, specifically from the 13th to the 16th, and includes a comprehensive package with the student at the center. We are honored to host the opening ceremony of the conference, the Training Day, at the Bank of Greece. During the Training Day, distinguished academics, bankers, and representatives from institutions and the market will give talks on the conference’s topics. As part of the four-day conference’s activities, students will have the opportunity to visit the Bank of Greece Museum, receive training, and discuss contemporary banking challenges in detail, as well as participate in specialized parallel workshops on studying abroad.

Why would you recommend a student participate in Get Involved?

Since this is the third question, I’ll answer with the top three reasons as I see them: knowledge, people with passion and a thirst for learning, and connections with top academics and industry professionals. Adding a fourth reason: all of this is organized by students for students.

Is it only for students who study or are interested in economics? What background does a participant need?

Obviously, each participant needs to have an interest in the field and basic knowledge of economics. The conference aims to explain all the issues that will be addressed from A to Z through study guides and pre-conference preparation. It’s important to note that the key to success in the project and the value each participant gains depends on their own motivation. It is not an evaluation of knowledge but an acquisition of it and training on those subjects.

Get Involved is now established as an institution. What are your next three goals?

When the initiative began in 2017, this question seemed as distant as it does now. We don’t aim to have the character of an institutionalized action, as this would change the nature of the project. To date, more than 800 students in Greece and Cyprus have participated in our activities. Universities, important youth organizations, and companies support us. Our goal is for Get Involved to continue growing through ongoing actions and an interdisciplinary approach so that our message about the value of economic education and youth initiative reaches even more people.

What would you say as a final phrase to a young person who is thinking about joining but is unsure?

I would say, Get Involved! Get engaged, participate, and become part of a dynamic initiative!

For more about us, visit Get Involved.