Brother and sister, Panagiotis and Louiza share their WBS journey

Brother and sister, Panagiotis and Louiza both decided to study BSc Accounting & Finance at WBS. In this blog, they share their experience for stepping out of their comfort zones and being open to new opportunities while building life-long friendships.

Tell us about yourselves?

We were born and raised in Limassol, Cyprus. Cyprus is an island located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and our hometown is located on the south coast of the island.

Louiza: After graduating from high school in 2011, I decided to continue my studies in the UK. After being accepted in several high calibre universities, I chose to attend Warwick Business School to study BSc Accounting & Finance. I graduated with a first-class honours degree in 2014, which enabled me to secure a graduate position as an ACA trainee at Deloitte Cyprus. In 2017 I qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant where I was awarded the joint 15^th place in the Advanced Annual International Order of Merit.

Panagiotis: I graduated from high school in June 2014 and the following month I joined the Naval Command of Cyprus for my 2-year mandatory military service. During my service, I attended various combat trainings and I was awarded a diploma for my dedication and ethos during my service by the Ministry of Defence. I decided that I wanted to study Accounting & Finance and Warwick Business School was definitely my first choice following my sister’s decision and her experience of studying at WBS. In 2019 I graduated with a first-class honours degree which secured me an ACA trainee contract with Deloitte Cyprus.

What first attracted you to WBS?

Louiza: I was attracted to WBS because the BSc Accounting & Finance course is highly ranked and well recognised by employers, and I believed this could help me to secure a graduate job within a multinational organisation. WBS also provided a high level of careers support throughout my studies and enabled me to meet lots of different students and professors from all over the world which allowed me to create a brilliant professional network.

Panagiotis: One of the main reasons I decided to apply to WBS was due to my sister’s experience of studying there. I knew from first-hand experience that WBS provided high-quality teaching from outstanding professors, and the opportunity to meet some of the greatest minds from around the world who would push you beyond your limits. Therefore, there was no second choice and studying at WBS was a dream come true.

Why did you both decide to study BSc Accounting & Finance?

Louiza: My teachers at high school encouraged me to study a BSc Accounting & Finance course as I always achieved top marks in my accounting and economics modules. I also participated in the National Accounting Competition for two consecutive years where I achieved gold medals, and this gave me the confidence to study a degree in Accounting & Finance.

Panagiotis: During high school, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in a global organisation. A degree in Accounting and Finance was definitely going to act as a stepping stone in achieving my dream, and after thoroughly researching the modules available on different BSc Accounting & Finance courses I found that the course offered at WBS would provide me with the appropriate knowledge and skills to reach my future career goals.

What did you both enjoy the most from your time at WBS?

Louiza: I really enjoyed interacting and learning from top-achieving students. In addition to this, I have fond memories of socialising with my friends at the Piazza and attending various events organised by the University of Warwick which enabled me to build life-long friendships.

Panagiotis: During my time at Warwick, I had the opportunity to meet some fascinating individuals who are now friends for life. I really enjoyed being involved in various societies and sports clubs, as well as growing both personally and professionally from my life-changing experience of studying at WBS.

Were either of you part of any societies/sports clubs? If so, can you tell us a bit about them?

Louiza: I was a member of the Warwick Piano Society where I and other society members would meet weekly to play together and exchange ideas about music and its history. I was also an active member of the Warwick Sports Centre.

Panagiotis: During my second year at Warwick I was elected as the secretary of Warwick Cypriot and Hellenic Society. Despite it being a challenge balancing my studies with running the society alongside the rest of the executive team, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I was also part of the Warwick Swimming and Water Polo Club (UWSWP) where I met some great friends who I still stay in touch with despite us living in different parts of the world. During my time at UWSWP, I had the opportunity to represent Warwick University in British University and College Sports (BUCS) events and of course the annual varsity competition involving both Warwick and Coventry University. I also visited various universities across the UK to compete and had the opportunity to meet one the great athletes of all time, Adam Peaty.

What three words would you use to describe your WBS journey?

Louiza: Worthwhile, demanding and amazing.

Panagiotis: Challenging, unforgettable and inspiring.

Can you tell us about your career journeys since leaving WBS?

Louiza: I am currently working for an organisation involved in the transportation and trading of oil products in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. I work within the Finance Department as a Reporting and Budget Officer where I am in charge of the group’s monthly and quarterly performance reporting to the management team and executive board.

Panagiotis: After graduating from WBS, I joined Deloitte Limited in Limassol, Cyprus. Alongside this, I am also studying to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant. At Deloitte, I am currently working in the Direct Tax Department and I am involved in various projects including a partnership between Deloitte Cyprus with Deloitte Middle East.

Do you want to expand your knowledge of accounting and finance? Discover more about our BSc Accounting & Finance course.