Konstantina Chatzaki

Why did you choose Leeds University Business School?

I was in search of a Master's Degree that would provide me with a wide scope of modules and would assist me in capitalising on my undergraduate degree from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, which specialised in Communication and Mass Media. Furthermore, Leeds University Business school combined good ratings, a promising way of life and a great environment.

What was the best part of your studies here – what did you enjoy the most?

I enjoyed the city but most of all the people I met from other countries, with whom I am still in touch with even 10 years after graduating. We follow up on each others' lives and have even met on various occasions during scheduled trips.

What were your career aspirations when you arrived?

I was not certain what my career path would be. I wanted my studies to help me decide which choices I would make. And in the end, I did get a better idea of what I wanted to do in the future.

Do you have any noteworthy achievements from your study at the Business School that you can tell us about?

Well I was ranked among the 13 people who got a distinction and I recall our team getting the highest score in our Mass Media module exam and presentation.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? Have there been any notable highlights?

I can now call myself an Ogilvy native. I have been working at OgilvyOne Worldwide Athens for the past 10 years. With a number of extremely talented people, we have managed to become the most awarded digital agency in Greece, as well as being distinguished in international awards such as the Cannes Lions, the Clios, One Show, MIXX Awards, the New York Festivals and more.

You can take a look at our profile here.

What is your current role? 

I started off as a copywriter and progressed to become a Creative Director working on digital campaigns for major Greek and International clients, such as Cosmote, Vodafone, Mondelez, Toyota, Diageo, IKEA, Coca-Cola, Lufthansa, DHL and more.

What did you learn/experience at the Business School that has helped you in your current role?

I think the most valuable thing I learnt, was working within a team and assuming a role that contributes in a collective result.

What are your ambitions for the future?

After 10 years in the business and having a team of younger people on board, my professional aspiration is to inspire them, encourage them, learn from them and create great work that all of us can be proud of. It is also my intention to nurture a positive work environment for all of us. We spend 8-10 hours together a day, we sometimes burn the midnight oil. It is essential for people who spend most of the time at work to have a balanced atmosphere around them.

On a personal level, I want to work towards seeing more of my 16 month old son, Yiannis!

Do you think your experience and skills gained here will help you in your future career plans? In what way?

Studying abroad helped me get in touch with various cultures. And working in an international agency and for international clients, I have a better understanding for the briefs and projects.

What was your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the region itself?

Great infrastructure, most of the teachers were helpful and experienced, so I would definitely recommend it as a University. Leeds as a city is amazing. I would say London in a miniature.

Were there any other positive aspects of your time at the Business School that are noteworthy?

Shopping, nightlife and most of all enjoying long walks and great friendships would be the most noteworthy aspects of my life in Leeds as a student.

What would you say is your defining memory of studying here?

Iram, Masha, Anindita, Touleen, Mishti, Priyal, Chaitali, Tamara, Dipti, Susan and so many more friends I talk to even to this day are the main reasons I loved my time in Leeds. Also, it was they year I met my future partner-in-life, Tassos. Even though he was in Greece at the time, he supported me all the way and stood by me while I was sometimes struggling with the study load. Little did I know, that we would end up having 9 years later our amazing son, Yiannis!

Would you recommend the Business School to others?

I would, yes. For all the above reasons and for the city of Leeds. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make friends from all over the world, live on your own and go to a great University!