My background is in the field of cultural management. Five years ago, I decided to make a major career change and started working at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki as Press Office Manager. Today I am the Head of the Administrative Support Department of the Training and Lifelong Learning Center of the University.
Working in the academic community was one of the most important decisions I made in my life, which has opened up new horizons, for both my professional and personal development.
My main responsibility in my current position is to support the academic community in the implementation of training programs. These promote the cultivation, upgrading, and expansion of new skills not only of our University graduates but also for personnel at local, European and international level.
My main goal is the continuous improvement of the Center and its services so that it makes the most of the momentum of the lifelong learning field and succeeds regarding the demands of modern higher education.
Which aspects of your work/function do you appreciate the most?
I love being part of a creative team working harmoniously to achieve specific goals: Brainstorming and creative exchange of thoughts and opinions for the development of the Training and Lifelong Learning Center with my supervisor i.e. the Vice-Rector for Research and Lifelong Learning; the improvement of the services quality and the development of partnerships that contribute to further development of the Center; the creative dialogue with the members of the Center’s Council to solve issues; the hard work and the good collegial atmosphere of the staff team to achieve common goals; the creative cooperation with the academic members of our University and their guidance for the realization of their scientific projects.
Above all, I feel lucky to be a member of this great family of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the only interdisciplinary university in Greece which continuously promotes research, innovation and the continuous upgrading of higher education.
What do you consider as the most important impacts of your work?
I believe that a suitable administrative organization is fundamental for the achievement and completion of scientific work. Supporting planning, organization, and providing guidance to our experienced and renowned professors is particularly important for them to successfully execute their research and scientific work.
Our goals are common. The administrative perspective and our guidance regarding the observance of procedures supports their valuable work. Research is produced for society as a whole. When I feel that I add my bit so that the valuable research and scientific work of our academics reaches society, I feel that I am serving a goal of utmost importance.
Do you think appreciation is important at work? And in which form?
Absolutely! Appreciation and recognition of the work carried out by University top management are fundamental. Equally important is appreciation by colleagues and their trust in the guidance we provide. The greatest reward is a smile, a “good morning”, a heartfelt thank you!
What aspects of your workplace do you perceive as supportive in order to be motivated?
A calm working environment, proper planning, and solidarity with the rest of the team as well as well-developed empathy for all are the factors which help achieve our common goals and realize the top management’s vision. Appropriate use of human and material resources, rewards of all types, and continuous staff training are factors constantly upgrading work standards.
