ΕΙΠΑΝ ΓΙΑ ΕΜΑΣ

Η απόφαση μου, ως ένα μεσαίο στέλεχος στις αρχές του 21ου αιώνα, να επενδύσω σε ένα μεταπτυχιακό αν και προκλητική δεν ήταν εύκολη. Η ένταση της δουλειάς και η αγωνία για το αν θα κατάφερνα να αντεπεξέλθω στις απαιτήσεις της εκπαιδευτικής διαδικασίας, αρκετό καιρό μετά το 1ο πτυχίο, δημιουργούσαν ένα εκρηκτικά αγχωτικό συνδυασμό. Φοιτώντας όμως στο Μεταπτυχιακό Πρόγραμμα Σπουδών Μάρκετινγκ & Επικοινωνίας για στελέχη επιχειρήσεων του Οικονομικού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών πέρασα δύο εξαιρετικά ενδιαφέροντα & αναζωογονητικά χρόνια, που με βοήθησαν να αναπτύξω μια διαφορετική οπτική γύρω από τις επιχειρήσεις και τη λειτουργία των αγορών αλλά και να κερδίσω προστιθέμενη αξία από την ανταλλαγή εμπειριών και γνώσεων με τους συμφοιτητές μου τότε, φίλους σήμερα.

Ήταν μια ανεπανάληπτη εμπειρία!

Το Μεταπτυχιακό «Μάρκετινγκ και Επικοινωνία» του Οικονομικού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών, ήταν για εμένα η προφανής επιλογή όταν ήλθε η ώρα να επιλέξω ένα Πανεπιστήμιο κύρους, ώστε να εντρυφήσω στην επιστήμη του Μάρκετινγκ. Αυτό που με εντυπωσίασε πραγματικά είναι, το πόσο θετική ώθηση μου έδωσαν τα όσα έμαθα καθώς και η πρακτική τους εφαρμογή στην καθημερινή μου εργασία ως Manager. Οι έννοιες και τα εργαλεία μάρκετινγκ και επικοινωνίας που διδάχθηκα, πιστεύω ότι παίζουν πρωτεύοντα ρόλο για μια επιτυχημένη καριέρα.

Χωρίς να είναι το πρώτο μου μεταπτυχιακό, είχα τη τύχη να συμμετάσχω στη πρώτη ‘φουρνιά’ του μεταπτυχιακού προγράμματος «Μάρκετινγκ & Επικοινωνία με Νέες Τεχνολογίες» το 1999. Δύο πράγματα έρχονται αβίαστα στη μνήμη μου σε σχέση με αυτά τα δύο υπέροχα χρόνια: Το 1ο έχει να κάνει με μια πραγματικά εξαιρετική ομάδα εισηγητών, με υψηλό επίπεδο κατάρτισης, άψογο επαγγελματισμό, πολύ μεράκι και όρεξη να κάνουν το πρόγραμμα να πετύχει. Τους θυμάμαι όλους με πολλή αγάπη και ευγνωμοσύνη. Το 2ο σχετίζεται με τη ποιότητα των συμμετεχόντων. Ήταν πραγματικά ένα σύνολο ανθρώπων που πέραν και πάνω από το ότι είναι όλοι τους έξοχοι χαρακτήρες, έφεραν μαζί τους εργασιακή εμπειρία πολλών ετών και από διαφορετικούς τομείς επιχειρηματικότητας. Θυμάμαι στην πρώτη μας συνάντηση τον καθηγητή κο Γιώργο Αυλωνίτη να επισημαίνει μεταξύ άλλων, ότι μεταξύ μας έχουμε εμπειρία περισσότερη των 300 ετών! Αυτή η ανταλλαγή εμπειριών από μονή της, ενταγμένη στο άρτιο ακαδημαϊκό πρόγραμμα ήταν ένα από τα στοιχεία που βοήθησαν στο να αποκομίσουμε όλοι ανεκτίμητες πρακτικές γνώσεις που έμενα προσωπικά με βοήθησαν σημαντικά στην μετέπειτα επαγγελματική μου σταδιοδρομία.

Η φοίτησή μου στο μεταπτυχιακό Μάρκετινγκ & Επικοινωνίας θα είναι πάντα ένας από τους σημαντικότερους και ομορφότερους σταθμούς της ζωής μου. Σε αντίθεση με τον επαγγελματικό στίβο όπου άλλοτε κερδίζεις και άλλοτε χάνεις, από το συγκεκριμένο μεταπτυχιακό βγαίνεις μόνο νικητής. Πρώτον, διότι διευρύνεις το θεωρητικό σου υπόβαθρο παρακολουθώντας ένα πολύ καλά δομημένο πρόγραμμα σπουδών. Δεύτερον, διότι έρχεσαι αντιμέτωπος με νέες, δυνατές προκλήσεις και δύσκολες αποφάσεις οι οποίες εξελίσσουν την προσωπικότητα και ενδυναμώνουν το χαρακτήρα σου. Τρίτον και σημαντικότερο, διότι σου δίνεται μία μεγάλη ευκαιρία να αναπτύξεις σχέσεις και να αποκτήσεις νέους αληθινούς φίλους, ο τρόπος σκέψης των οποίων μπορεί να επιδράσει θετικά στον τρόπο που εσύ προσεγγίζεις τη ζωή. Δυστυχώς ο χρόνος δε γυρίζει πίσω. Αν όμως υπήρχε αυτή η δυνατότητα, είναι σίγουρο ότι θα επαναλάμβανα αυτό το συναρπαστικό ταξίδι με την ίδια υπέροχη παρέα, τους συμφοιτητές μου (MENT Class 2012-2013).

Being involved in the field of international marketing was and still is a dream of mine. PRIMA was the best start to realize my dream. Its modules and instructors, enabled me to gain a thorough understanding of marketing in general and international marketing in particular. It is important to mention that PRIMA students benefit from guest speakers who are invited to the program to share their professional expertise. Above all, PRIMA, gave me the opportunity to go abroad, as an Erasmus student, in particular to Radboud University in the Netherlands, to complete my dissertation. It was a great opportunity to get to know different cultures and to learn how to work in a foreign academic environment. PRIMA is a student’s right choice for quality graduate education in the field of International Marketing in Greece!

The decision to pursue the PRIMA Master’s Degree was the right one. The level and quality of studies is high, the modules interesting and practical since they focus on many case studies. The main difference, however, was the friendly and family-like atmosphere; the course was not attended by many students, and the professors are not only very competent, but also friendly, available for meetings, and willing to offer guidance.

Το μεταπτυχιακό πρόγραμμα δεν ήταν μόνο πολύτιμο για την επαγγελματική μου εξέλιξη στο χώρο του μάρκετινγκ. Ήταν, κυρίως, μια από τις πιο ωραίες εμπειρίες της ζωής μου. Από τη μία το υψηλό επίπεδο και η εμπειρία των καθηγητών, το διεπιστημονικό «μείγμα» των φοιτητών και η καλά σχεδιασμένη δομή των μαθημάτων και από την άλλη, δύο χρόνια γεμάτα ιδέες, εικόνες, στιγμές και εμπειρίες ανεκτίμητης αξίας. Δε θα άλλαζα τίποτα!

The International Full-Time Program in Marketing & Communication, formerly known as PRIMA, is a great choice for those who want a high-quality academic education and hands-on business experience. Primarily, the program provides an extensive academic background in the field of international marketing. However, it goes beyond the basic requirements by giving its students the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities that showcase the challenges faced by real businesses, not only in Greece but also abroad.In addition, as part of our dissertation work, we were given a unique opportunity to work closely with global brands. I personally conducted practical marketing research as part of a great team and in close collaboration with executives from 3M Hellas. This provided me with in-depth knowledge of current marketing trends and helped me become part of the team of a Greek marketing research agency.I personally believe that the dedication of the MSc professors and staff is of utmost importance. They manage to create a challenging but, at the same time, highly engaging atmosphere throughout the study period.

After completing my bachelor’s degree, while searching for the best master’s program in marketing, I found the International Full-Time Program, then known as PRIMA, offered by one of the leading universities in economics and business in Greece. By the end of my studies, my decision had been fully justified. Looking back, I realized how much I had gained and how I had developed personally, academically, and professionally by exchanging ideas and knowledge and broadening my horizons. I had the chance to learn from some of the best in the field of marketing, make friends, establish long-lasting relationships, and travel.PRIMA gave me the foundations I needed to pursue a promising professional career. My time in the program was one of the most complete, interesting, challenging, and thrilling experiences of my life. I would like to express my gratitude to all the staff at the Athens University of Economics and Business for their valuable help throughout my studies. I would definitely recommend the program to anyone looking for a challenging master’s program in marketing.

I joined the MSc in International Marketing, then known as PRIMA, in its first year of operation. This turned out to be both a challenge and a benefit because I had the chance to be part of a highly motivated team that helped shape one of the most innovative master’s programs in Greece. The innovative character of the program stems from a combination of elements related primarily to the quality of the work throughout its duration.The modules were organized around key issues and challenges faced by companies wishing to compete internationally in today’s business environment. They combined core theoretical foundations with practical insights through lectures, workshops, case studies, educational visits to company headquarters, and individual and team assignments. A great variety of projects provided an effective way to understand and apply key theoretical concepts in real working environments. Individual projects encouraged reflection on the course material and independent learning, while small team projects provided a strong foundation for collaboration, time management, and stimulating discussions.The most important benefit I enjoyed during my studies was the expertise of the many lecturers and course facilitators who are part of a vibrant research community in marketing. The quality of their teaching and research was evident throughout the program. Last but not least, I consider the administrative support and the warmth of the staff to be among the program’s competitive advantages.

The International Full-Time Program, then known as PRIMA, gave me the opportunity to attend lectures by professors with strong academic credentials and become part of a unique team of experts in international marketing. The innovative approach of the program and its reputation for developing international marketing specialists helped me succeed in the business arena and find a job in my field of expertise, despite the difficult economic environment. Moreover, my Field Study Project at one of Greece’s leading companies helped me gain considerable professional experience. PRIMA was the best choice for me.

A year and a half after completing my MSc studies in international marketing at the Athens University of Economics and Business, I can confidently say that I made the right choice. The International Full-Time Program, then known as PRIMA, is a well-structured program that offers in-depth knowledge from experts in international marketing and examines all the key aspects of marketing from an international perspective.The entire program is taught in English and gives students the opportunity to complete their dissertation research at another university in Europe. I chose the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. It was one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had. It gave me the opportunity to work across cultures, meet amazing people, and challenge myself in every respect.I later joined the International Retail Graduate Scheme at Marks & Spencer in the UK. I worked across Europe as part of my training and collaborated with people of different nationalities. PRIMA helped me develop cross-cultural communication skills and understand the “think global, act local” approach at a level that I could easily apply to my work.

Applying to the International Full-Time Program, then known as PRIMA, was the ideal stepping stone for my future career in international marketing. The international character of the program helped me develop a global mindset, a skill needed to hold a leading position in companies that operate or aim to operate in international markets.During my time in Athens, I had the chance to meet people from many different cultural and academic backgrounds, both inside and outside the classroom. I took part in many interesting discussions that helped me become more confident and comfortable in international work settings.The fact that my study visit to Greece took place during the worst economic crisis of the previous 50 years provided me with a distinctive perspective. For instance, I had the opportunity to discuss the impact of the crisis on consumer behavior with my peers and professors. As the economic crisis increasingly affected other European countries, my impressions and observations regarding consumer behavior could provide valuable insights for firms operating internationally.PRIMA, as a highly innovative program, also gave me the opportunity to work with the Danish dairy company Arla Foods on a research project about consumer behavior in Greece. This research project, combined with my master’s degree in international marketing, became a strong addition to my CV and helped me take the next steps in my career.

After completing my undergraduate studies in the UK, my decision to study at AUEB and join the International Full-Time Program, then known as PRIMA, proved to be the right one. The program provided me with the education and knowledge needed for a successful career in marketing. In addition, the opportunity to attend various workshops, seminars, and other extracurricular activities is definitely something that makes the program outstanding. I would recommend that anyone interested in a professional career in marketing apply without hesitation.

Oh, Greece! Such a beautiful country. My time at the Athens University of Economics and Business was very memorable. I decided to enroll in the International Full-Time Program, then known as PRIMA, while completing my BA in Management in Armenia. The program’s content met my career expectations. It offered me the opportunity to combine my academic background and professional experience with the practical application of knowledge and skills.At AUEB, I had the chance to participate in the Erasmus student exchange program and study at the University of Cyprus. This allowed me to experience a different culture, broaden my horizons, and make friends of different nationalities. As an international student, I became “twice international” by also studying in Cyprus. My time in both Greece and Cyprus was unforgettable, and I greatly appreciate it because it equipped me with professional knowledge and practical skills that I will carry throughout my life.