Discussion Overview – Exploring the Dynamics of the Greek Labor Market and Youth Challenges

On March 19, 2025, the seminar “Exploring the Dynamics of the Greek Labor Market and Youth Challenges” was held at the Serafeio of the Municipality of Athens. The event aimed to equip young people with practical knowledge, valuable insights, and useful tools to support their professional development. This was accomplished interactive discussions, fireside chats, and networking sessions, participants gained meaningful experiences and perspectives for their future careers.

Here, we highlight the positions key takeaways and views shared by all speakers. We are greatly honoured to have speakers such as Mr. Panos Tsakloglou, former Deputy Minister of Labor & Professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business, Mr. Kyriakos Filinis, Senior Advisor, Human Capital Development Division at the SEV, Mr. Nikos Giannakopoulos, Professor at the Department of Economics, University of Patras, Mr. Antonis Ballis, Assistant Professor of Financial Technology (Fintech) and Director of the MSc in Fintech program, Aston Business School, Aston University, Ms. Eriketi Diakoumakou, Lawyer, M.Sc., LL.M., Mr. Zisis Psallidas, Audit Manager at Deloitte Luxembourg, Ms. Kleoniki Kontaxi, Lawyer, LL.M. (University of Cambridge), Mr. Apostolis Elekidis, PhD Chemical Engineer, Warehousing Manager – FMCG Sector, Mr. Vasilis Angelopoulos, Co-founder of Get Involved, Senior Sustainability Analyst at the NBG, and Secretary for Economic and Sustainable Development at the ESYN and Mr. Dimitrios Dimopoulos, Head of ESG at Piraeus Bank.

The educational seminar began with a series of individual questions directed at the young participants, aiming to better understand their perceptions and expectations regarding the labor market.

Notably, around 60% of attendees identified lack of experience as the most significant challenge they face as newcomers entering the workforce. Smaller percentages (approximately 15% each) pointed to lack of skills, limited opportunities, and the difficulty of balancing personal and professional life as the most pressing issues.

In a follow-up question, 55% of the audience expressed optimism about their future over the next five years. However, a noteworthy 31% indicated a desire to move abroad in search of more opportunities or better working conditions. Additionally, 9% of participants said they are reconsidering their field of study.

As the survey continued, 45% of respondents identified programming and data analytics as the top skill they aim to learn this year, while 32% prioritized the development of soft skills such as communication, leadership, and time management.

These responses provided valuable insights from young people and served as a springboard for deeper discussion during the speaker sessions that followed.

The Current State of the Greek Economy and the Challenge of the Pension System

Mr. Panagiotis Tsakloglou opened the discussions with a clear presentation on the current state of Greece’s pension system and the major challenges it faces, primarily due to demographic aging. He began by explaining the two main models of social security: the pay-as-you-go system, where current workers’ contributions fund the pensions of today’s retirees, and the fully funded system, where each worker’s contributions are invested to build a personal pension fund for the future.

He emphasized that for many years, Greece relied exclusively on the first model, which led to significant deficits. The establishment of TEKA (the Hellenic Auxiliary Pensions Defined Contribution Fund) marks an important step toward a more sustainable and balanced system. TEKA, a fully funded auxiliary pension fund, enrolls newcomers in the labor market and invests their contributions across diversified portfolios, aiming for optimal returns and long-term stability.

Mr. Tsakloglou also highlighted the critical importance of savings, stressing the particularly low savings rate in Greece. He stressed that relying solely on one’s pension is not enough to secure financial well-being and resiliency in the future.

He placed special emphasis on the need for financial literacy and informed decision-making, especially among young people, many of whom are not fully aware of how the pension system operates or how it will shape their future retirement income. He explained that risk diversification through the three-pillar pension model – national, contributory, and funded pensions – helps reduce uncertainty and enhances long-term economic resilience.

The Challenge of Parallel Transformations in the Labor Market and the Role of Youth

Mr. Nikolaos Giannakopoulos presented a realistic overview of the Greek labor market, drawing comparisons with the broader European environment. He emphasized that although the situation has improved in recent years, Greece still records high unemployment rates, especially among young people, and remains significantly below the EU average. Nonetheless, he noted that the labor market has notably improved, not only compared to the period of the crisis but also relative to the pre-crisis period.

He analyzed key indicators used to assess labor market performance, including unemployment rates, employment levels in the general population, labor force participation, and labor productivity. He stressed that the labor market is not a single, uniform entity but consists of multiple sub-markets with distinct geographic and sectoral characteristics.

Mr. Giannakopoulos also underlined that wages should not be the sole criterion for assessing labor market quality, as they are closely tied to productivity and the value of the goods or services produced. He pointed out the persistent issue of undeclared work, which distorts the true picture of employment in the country.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of investing not only in general education but also in the specialization of human capital, enabling young people to integrate effectively into the workforce and contribute to the productive upgrading of the Greek economy.

Mr. Kyriakos Filinis offered a dynamic assessment of the Greek labor market. He acknowledged that while the current situation is significantly better than during the economic crisis, several challenges remain, especially for young people. Although overall unemployment has dropped to historically low levels, youth unemployment and overqualification—where university graduates work in jobs that do not utilize their qualifications—remain pressing concerns.

He further noted that the Greek economy is dominated by small enterprises (98% have fewer than 50 employees) and low value-added sectors. This limits opportunities for highly skilled employment and complicates the transition from education to work, which is often marked by periods of unemployment and job searching. These conditions, he explained, are closely tied to the structure of Greece’s productive model.

Mr. Filinis emphasized that the labor market is undergoing significant change, driven by the green and digital transitions. However, this doesn’t mean that professions are disappearing; rather, skills are evolving, and technology acts as a complement—not a substitute—for human labor.

In closing, he highlighted the need for continuous upskilling and lifelong learning, urging young people to make decisions with their future in mind, not just based on current conditions. He also underscored the importance of internships and apprenticeships in enhancing employability, and the role of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) in bridging the gap between education and the labor market.

From Studies to the Labor Market – Brain Drain & Brain Gain

The next part of the event focused on personal journeys, challenges, and reflections on the transition from the university to the labor market. The discussion featured individuals who have contributed to the development of Get Involved and have since gone on to build their own unique career paths.

Ms. Eriketi Diakoumakou highlighted the importance of informed decision-making and participating in initiatives like Get Involved, which opened up new professional horizons and perspectives for her. She stressed that entering the labor market is particularly challenging without practical experience and encouraged young people to take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way. Despite the difficulties faced by newcomers, she emphasized that opportunities are always out there – but must be actively pursued. On the topic of professional development, she noted: “Your only competitor should be yourself.”

Mr. Zisis Psallidas emphasized the value of youth and university organizations, such as Get Involved, in bridging the gap between university and the market. He shared that being connected with like-minded young people played a crucial role in shaping his goals and professional path. He spoke in particular about how Get Involved gave him access to valuable contacts and knowledge, helping him clarify what field he wanted to work in and how to pursue it.

Mr. Apostolos Elekidis shared his experience transitioning from research to the market and the difficulties he faced as an “overqualified” candidate due to his PhD in Chemical Engineering. He stressed the importance of becoming familiar with the interview process, encouraging young professionals to attend as many interviews as possible to gain experience and improve. As he put it: “Things often aren’t the way we imagine them – we need to try things out to discover what really suits us.” He also emphasized staying open to new paths and engaging in activities that teach us new things—such as the Get Involved ECB Simulation Conference was for him, which he described as a formative experience.

Mr. Antonis Ballis focused on the gap between academia and the labor market and how bridging that divide can improve the absorption of recent graduates into the workforce. He recounted his own career path, sharing that he discovered his interest in research in a relative older age and by starting a PhD led him into academia. He noted that professional circumstances can change rapidly, and that success rarely comes quickly, making critical thinking and persistence essential traits for any professional.

Ms. Kleoniki Kontaxi underlined the importance of flexibility and an open mindset. She pointed out that universities in Greece often do not adequately prepare students for working abroad, where they must compete with locals who have a head start. She spoke about the unique challenges of practicing law internationally as a graduate from a Greek national university. She emphasized the need for constant exploration, skill development, and the cultivation of soft skills. She also encouraged young people to actively pursue opportunities and gain experiences, sharing that her involvement in Get Involved was a pivotal step toward securing her current role at the European Central Bank.

Mr. Vasilis Angelopoulos stressed that there are no “one-dimensional” career paths and that every experience holds value. He encouraged participants to stay open to change, to leverage available tools, and to remember that “the skillset doesn’t change – what changes is the context in which it’s applied.” He emphasized the need for young people to remain alert and not hesitate to seize any opportunity that arises.

The discussion concluded with a shared message: be open, experiment, and learn from your journey – not just through your degree, but through the broader arc of your life.

ESG: New Skills – A Challenge or an Opportunity for the Future of Work?

Mr. Dimitrios Dimopoulos delivered the closing remarks of the educational seminar. At the start of his address, he emphasized the importance of integrating sustainability and ESG considerations into the strategic planning of businesses. He noted that investor priorities have increasingly shifted toward sustainable development, that is, economic progress achieved without depleting natural resources and with respect for society as a whole. This shift is now influencing every aspect of business planning. ESG reporting, he explained, serves as a compass, guiding companies toward more responsible and resilient practices.

Mr. Dimopoulos gave emphasis on governance as the foundation of sustainability and highlighted the skills gap currently present in the ESG sector. ESG is not just about technical knowledge, it also requires confidence, communication skills, critical thinking, and writing ability. For this reason, Piraeus Bank has actively supported the establishment of a specialized Master’s program at the University of Piraeus, aimed at shaping the ESG professionals of the future.

He remarked that the labor market is evolving faster than academia when it comes to ESG, underscoring the need for stronger connections between the two. He also stressed that degrees are becoming less important than experience, motivation, and genuine passion for the field.

Addressing current trends, Mr. Dimopoulos spoke about the shift from greenwashing to greenhushing—where companies continue to implement sustainable strategies but with less public promotion, often to avoid scrutiny or backlash.

In closing, he encouraged young people to pursue what they truly love, as passion and consistency are the qualities that truly stand out in recruitment.

Elisavet Dolopikou

Junior Associate

My name is Elisavet Dolopikou. I am a graduate of the Faculty of Law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), a postgraduate student in the LL.M. program in European Business and Economic Law at AUTh, and a trainee lawyer specializing in Commercial Law.

I joined the Get Involved team in September 2025, and since then, I have been an active member of both the Legal and Operations departments. For me, Get Involved is a hub of innovation and interdisciplinarity that provides the ideal environment for developing new skills. The fact that this is an initiative driven by young people with a shared vision for producing meaningful work was my primary motivation for joining.

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Chrisanthi Indouna

Junior Associate

My name is Chrisanthi Indouna, and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of Management Science and Technology at the Athens University of Economics and Business. I joined Get Involved as a Junior Associate in September 2025. I am part of the Operations team, where I contribute, among other tasks, to the organization and coordination of the team’s initiatives. In May 2025, I attended the event “Sustainable Future IV: Beyond Green – Navigating the Future of Sustainability & Innovation”. I acquired valuable insights into sustainable development and its role in contemporary entrepreneurship.
My decision to join Get Involved was driven by my strong interest in youth initiatives and the team’s culture, which encourages creativity, collaboration, and active participation in innovative projects.
For me, Get Involved represents a unique opportunity to expand my knowledge in sustainability and finance. Its youthful spirit and the collaboration among people from different academic backgrounds, united by a shared vision, motivate me to actively engage in projects that have a meaningful impact.

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Evangelia Koutsougera

Junior Associate

I’m a Law student and since May 2025, I’ve been part of the Communications team at Get Involved. I’ve always been an outgoing person who enjoys working with others, so I immediately felt that this role suits me well. I’m really interested in sustainability, mainly because I feel like we’re the first generation truly experiencing the consequences of the environmental crisis. I believe that each of us can contribute to something better, in our own way. Through this team, I hope to learn, grow, and collaborate with people who share the same concerns and vision. I also hope to bring my own perspective and energy to everything we do.

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Konstantina Katsimicha

Junior Associate

My name is Konstantina Katsimicha, and I am an undergraduate student at the Department of Economics of the Athens University of Economics and Business.

In 2024, I participated in the 8th ECB Conference; an experience that significantly deepened my understanding of monetary policy, financial institutions, and the broader economic framework of the Εuro area.

In 2025, I joined Get Involved as a Junior Associate in both the Communications and Social Media Management teams. Through this role, I contribute to the promotion of our initiatives and help manage our online presence, while also developing valuable communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.

What inspired me to become part of Get Involved is the team’s vision and spirit to enhance economic literacy among young people and foster a space where ideas, knowledge, and skills can grow through collaboration. Being surrounded by passionate peers committed to impactful initiatives motivates me to learn, evolve, and contribute actively.

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Fay Panagakis

Junior Associate

My name is Fay Panagakis, and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of Business Administration at the University of Piraeus. Joining Get Involved in February 2025, I am actively contributing to both the Communications and Operations departments.
I was eager to join the organization because of its strong commitment to empowering young people through initiatives that bridge the gap between academic knowledge and today’s challenges. Its focus on financial literacy, sustainable development, and fostering interdisciplinary learning aligns with my aspirations to make a positive societal impact.
Becoming part of this dynamic team offers me an invaluable opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while growing both personally and professionally. I’m excited about what the future holds alongside like-minded individuals who share a passion for youth empowerment and societal change.

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George Sakkas

Junior Associate

My name is George Sakkas and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of Accounting and Finance at the Athens University of Economics and Business. I joined the organization in March 2025 as a Junior Associate in the Social Media and Scientific teams, contributing to its activities through the perspective of financial literacy and sustainable economic development.

My involvement with Get Involved arose from my deep interest in the role that financial knowledge plays in modern society. My goal is to deepen my understanding of financial issues, enhance my skills in communication and strategic development, and actively contribute to the promotion of economic education.

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Angelina Arfani

Junior Associate

My name is Angelina Arfani, and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of the Peloponnese. I have joined the Get Involved team as a Junior Associate in the Operations and Communications departments, where I contribute to the efficient coordination of initiatives and assist in enhancing the organization’s outreach and engagement. 

I believe that Get Involved is an innovative initiative driven by individuals committed to creating meaningful change. Being part of this team has provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge, develop key skills, and showcase my abilities, all while collaborating with passionate individuals who share a common vision.

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Konstantina Triantafyllopoulou

Junior Associate

My name is Konstantina Triantafyllopoulou, and I am an undergraduate Political Science & Public Administration university student at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Also, I am currently enrolled in the American College of Greece, pursuing a minor in Human Resources Management.

I joined Get Involved in 2025 as a Junior Associate in the communications team, where I help by communicating with external partners and with the promotion of our initiatives. The key factors that motivated me to join were my ambition to engage within the community and broaden both my understanding and skills around finances, communication, entrepreneurship, and youth-led projects.

Being an active member of Get Involved highlights my keen enthusiasm for promoting financial literacy, actively engaging with the youth community, and embracing the core values of this team.

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Pavlos Tsiokas

Senior Associate

As a participant of the 1st ECB Simulation Conference, I had the opportunity to familiarize myself with concepts related to Central Banks, their objectives, and the exercise of monetary policy.
The reason I decided to join the Get Involved team stemmed from the fact that I strive for learning, especially in areas concerning economic literacy. I was drawn to the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals who share our shared culture and values.
As a new addition to the team, I am involved in drafting the Economic Term of the Week, which enjoys considerable success on Get Involved’s social media platforms. Furthermore, I am part of the team responsible for compiling the Study Guide, the pivotal manual for every delegate participating in the European Central Bank Simulation Conference.

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Lila Kartali

Senior Associate

My name is Lila Kartali and I am an undergraduate student in the Department of International and European Studies at the University of Piraeus. I joined the team in February 2024, and since then I have happily been part of the Corporate Communications, Social Media, External Opportunities, and Scientific team. The diversity of the topics I deal with in each department, as well as the collaboration and interaction with ambitious people, are a pleasant challenge for me.

For me, Get Involved is an opportunity to develop various skills and strengthen my knowledge background on sustainability and monetary policy issues. Moreover, the fact that it is a youth initiative, by people from different scientific fields collaborating for a common goal, is the reason why I want to be part of it.

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Iasonas Pavlakis

Senior Associate

As an active member of Get Involved’s Associates, I am part of engaging and continuously evolving projects centered on strengthening financial literacy among young people in Greece and Europe. Moreover, by combining my studies in computer science, I am an integral part of Get Involved’s ongoing digital transformation journey.

My contributions to Get Involved reflect my commitment to supporting its ultimate goal of social contribution and raising awareness of financial literacy issues among youth.

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Maria Anastasopoulou

Senior Associate

My name is Maria Anastasopoulou and I am an undergraduate student at the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. My participation in Get Involved started in 2023, whereas now I am an Associate and a member of the Legal Team, where I help handle the group’s legal issues, prepare legal educational materials and represent the group in the ECB Simulation Conference. Additionally, I participate in the stream for Student and Youth Organizations, where I develop my communication skills by interacting with external partners and other youth initiatives. I am also a member of the Scientific Team and contribute to the structuring of the group’s studies, such as the “ESG & Sustainability Youth Perspectives”, while simultaneously developing my research and writing skills.

The drive behind my involvement with the team is the exceptional academic and research level of my colleagues and the passion for the field. The shared values of mutual respect, the desire for progress and innovation, and continuous new’ goal setting, motivate me to contribute and join in a common evolutionary path.

I am particularly grateful for my participation in Get Involved, as it provides me the opportunity to significantly broaden my economic and legal knowledge, delve further into areas of interest and collaborate with some of the most active and accomplished young people, from whom I learn daily.

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Apostolos Karasakalidis

Scientic Associate

Apostolos Karasakalidis has graduated from the Law School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, is a certified Data Protection Officer (DPO), and works as a trainee lawyer in Thessaloniki having developed a special interest in Commercial Law.

He is an Associate at Get Involved since the summer of 2022 and a member of the legal team. He has participated in the writing and updating of the Study Guide for the 7th Simulation of the European Central Bank in which he also participated as a Central Banker. In addition, he oversees Get Involved’s compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the protection of its intellectual property.

Apostolos participates in Get Involved because he believes in the added value of cooperation among young scientists from different academic backgrounds. Furthermore, he is interested in the green transition of the EU economy and supports financial literacy’s expansion to young people.

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” — Chris Grosser

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Vasiliki Koukoula

Senior Associate

I joined Get Involved in 2019, I have progressed to the role of Senior Associate, and I currently am a member of the Legal Team. My participation in the team has provided me with valuable opportunities, and experiences, and it has given me the chance to work with numerous active youths. I have taken part in various initiatives, such as the ECB Simulation Conferences, and have had multiple responsibilities, including developing educational materials and participating in the communications team. I appreciate Get Involved’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment that empowers young university students and professionals.

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Thanasis Dogramatzidis

Scientific Associate

Thanasis Dogramatzidis is an executive in the Financial Assets Management department at the Central Bank of Malta. Previously, he worked as a trader at the National Bank of Greece.

He holds an MSc in International and European Governance and Politics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens an MSc in Finance and Banking, and a BSc in Statistics, both from the Athens University of Economics and Business.

In 2024, Thanasis became a Scientific Associate at Get Involved, driven by his belief in the need to advance economic literacy and highlight contemporary economic issues, especially within the realm of monetary policy.

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Panteleimon K. Karamalis

Scientific Associate

Panteleimon Karamalis is a PhD Fellow at the UCD School of Economics in Ireland. He holds a MSc in Healthcare Administration from National School of Public Health in Athens (2018), a MSc in Banking and Financial Management from University of Piraeus (2017) and a BSc in Business Administration from Technological Educational Institute of Athens (2014). His research interests lie mainly in Monetary and Fiscal Policy, Banking, Wealth Inequality, and Health Economics. Since 2018 he has been a Teaching Assistant in Macroeconomics, Financial Economics, International Banking, and Econometrics at the UCD School of Economics.

He joined Get Involved because of their common belief about both the necessity of financial literacy in all students regardless of academic background, and the importance of scientific research by students and researchers who want to focus on specific research topics of economic science. All projects run by Get Involved, such as the ECB Simulation Conference and the scientific journal ‘Future Economic lab Journal’, orient themselves to the completion of these goals.

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Antonis Ballis

Scientific Associate

Antonis Ballis holds a Doctoral degree in Finance (2021) from Athens University of Economics and Business, a specialized Master’s degree in Applied Economics and Data Analysis (2016) from the University of Patras (2016), and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (2014) from Athens University of Economics and Business. In 2018 he was awarded full funding for his doctoral research on cryptocurrencies, from the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY). His main research areas are Cryptocurrency/DEFI Economics, Behavioral Finance, and Financial Technology (FinTech).

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill

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Maria Triantafyllopoulou

Vice President

I joined Get Involved in April 2021, and since May 2023 I have been Vice President. My main responsibilities include coordinating the legal team and communications with our stakeholders. Moreover, I participate in the formulation and implementation of the organisation’s strategy.

My involvement in Get Involved and my interaction with its multi-faceted people reflects my commitment to developing initiatives that motivate young people to actively engage with economic science and remain active citizens at all times.

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Stavros Vletsos

Vice President

I joined Get Involved in 2020 and I serve as a vice-president in 2022. My responsibilities include participating in the decision-making process and implementing the organisation’s strategy.

I am grateful to be part of Get Involved and contribute to connecting institutions, academia and the market with young people, spreading financial education and sustainable development through experiential learning and interdisciplinarity.

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Petros Dimitropoulos

Vice President

I’ve been part of Get Involved since April 2020 and one of the Vice Presidents since 2022. My main responsibilities include managing corporate communications as well as designing and implementing the organization’s strategy.
My participation in Get Involved reflects my commitment to empowering the voices of young people and promoting active dialogue between the market, the academic community, institutions, and youth, with the aim of advancing financial education, interdisciplinarity, and sustainable development.

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Anthony Efstathiadis

Co-Founder

I am one of the co-founders of Get Involved with which I have participated in the planning and implementation of numerous initiatives that have impacted more than 3,000 university students and graduates. My role entails the coordination of the overall organization, the project management of our various and diverse initiatives, and the strategy formulation.

My work in Get Involved reflects my commitment to have an active role in empowering the youth, their “voices” and to strive to nurture a positive culture where young people can develop to their full potential.

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Vasilis Angelopoulos

Co-Founder

As the co-founder of Get Involved, I lead an initiative that has influenced over 3,500 university students, empowering them through opportunities that bridge the gap between academic education and real-world challenges. The initiatives of Get Involved have garnered recognition from important organizations such as the Hellenic Bank Association, the Bank of Greece, the European Central Bank (ECB), and the corporate community in Greece, validating our efforts to foster a culture of social responsibility and professional excellence among the youth.

Our work at Get Involved is a reflection of my commitment to driving societal change and creating an active path of dialogue amongst university students, academia, institutions, and companies.

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