Christiana Ierodiakonou

Tell us about your course – why did you choose it? What elements of the course inspired you to choose the Business School/University?

I chose Leeds because of specific faculty members and because the structure of the PhD course matched my needs.

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

The relationship with my supervisors and other faculty experts that I came across. The libraries were also a highlight and the city of Leeds in general, which I find very relaxing and friendly.

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

My PhD thesis was among the top 10 finalists in the 2013 EDAMBA thesis competition.

Were your career aspirations expanded by studying here? Did the skills and experience you acquired on your course give you the confidence to widen your career choices?

I decided to do a PhD because I wanted an academic career. My studies at Leeds Business School reinforced this ambition.

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

I am currently a visiting lecturer of Management at the University of Cyprus, working on a fixed-term contract. I am still trying to get a longer-term position that will allow me to focus more on research.

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

Yes, from my doctorate, I gained the skills to do research, how to live up to great expectations, how to compete with highly-qualified people, etc. These will definitely be useful in the future to achieve my career objectives.

How do you think Leeds University Business School rates against other universities?

Leeds University Business School is an excellent school for the quality of teaching and research. The faculty alone is a solid proof of that. When I discuss with my own students about the best business schools in the UK for postgraduate studies, Leeds is always among the top I suggest.

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

I loved the University, Leeds and the region! The university campus is lovely and gives a sense of community and caring among peers. It also has beautiful buildings and landscapes that can be 'useful' during stressful times. I did not interact much with fellow students as a doctoral student, but the staff I came across, however often, were excellent. I did not have a single negative experience with staff, whether academic or administrative. Leeds as a city is lovely. It's beautiful, clean and feels quite safe. It's not so big that you feel lost and it's not so small that you feel there is nothing else to do. There are plenty of things to do and see in Leeds and around.

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

Leeds is quite convenient for shorter and longer trips for anyone who wants to travel around. Whether you want to visit huge parks with lakes or other activities (e.g. hiking, biking) or are interested in historical sights and monuments, the region has it all!

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

The experience of studying at the business school and at Leeds generally was invaluable. The best aspect was the networking with students and academics and the confidence built through the academic challenges I faced.

Would you recommend the Business School to others?

Yes! I have already recommended it and will continue to do so!