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.