Michael Chatziefstathiou, Greece
MSc Environmental Engineering

Michael currently works for the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Islands & Fisheries, in Greece. He works in the ministerial cabinet on the elaboration of policies for the sustainable development of the whole aquaculture and fisheries sector. He completed his Master’s course at the University of Portsmouth in 1998.

What do you most enjoy/least enjoy about your job?
The satisfaction that my work contributes to my Country's development, especially in a period of fiscal crisis.  I least enjoy countless hours spent in the office.

What are the skills and attributes most needed to succeed in your role?
Excellent knowledge of my subject, an ability to work in a group and a capability to succeed with common goals within strict deadlines.

How has your career developed since you finished your Master’s?
The period after I acquired my MSc degree I worked as a Technical Consultant on Environmental Impact Assessments, Technical & Economic Plans, and Wastewater Treatment Studies for four years.

I then become a Public Servant and worked for six years in the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food at the General Directorate for Fisheries. I spent two years working as a Researcher at the University of Aegean’s Environment Department, developing a method to evaluate and measure the contribution of aquaculture at the sustainable development of island regions.

What advice would you give to today’s students?
To enjoy their student life, acquire as much knowledge they can and to learn to work as a team.

What are your best memories of University?
Reading at the library, some noisy nights at the Students’ Union, field work and walking along Southsea Pier in the fog.

Louise Nash
MA Communication and Language Skills

Louise completed her first degree, BA Applied Languages (Italian and French), in July 2010 and decided to stay on at Portsmouth to undertake the MA Communication and Language skills to further boost her employability.

“I studied languages and mass communication for my undergraduate degree and, therefore, decided to pursue a career in either international marketing or business, rather than translation or interpretation. I required a course that appealed to my interest in communications and languages and would be beneficial to my future career aspirations.

The MA Communication and Language Skills focused on all of the areas that were of interest to me.  Whilst still maintaining consistency with my previous studies, I could take units in Cross-Cultural Marketing and International Business Communications, Electronic Publishing and Specialised Translation, all as part of the one Master’s course. There were also core units in Communication Theory, Sociology of Communication and Communicating in Different Contexts, which included advertising, business management and travel and tourism elements, all of which are areas I would consider a career in.

Throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate studies I worked as a Student Marketing Assistant and a Student Language Ambassador and Mentor. I hope to build on the skills learnt through those roles, and combine the knowledge gathered through my undergraduate and Master’s degrees.

I am currently undertaking an internship in the Marketing and Communications department at the University but feel well placed to find a permanent role, ideally in international communications with a marketing and/or business focus.”

 

Dilfuza Nabieva, Uzbekistan
MA Public Administration

Dilfuza is head of the Department of the Economy in Kokand, Uzbekistan, where she deals with socio-economic development strategies. She came to Portsmouth to study because she wanted to learn about overcoming economic development hurdles.

I once had a manager at work who taught me that there is no need to try and re-invent the bicycle, it is better to learn how it's made from those who have already done it and then, enhance the design to suit your own needs. That is why I came to the UK to do my Master's. I knew I should learn about public administration in a well developed country. The response I received from Portsmouth made me certain I would be looked after on both academic and personal levels. The support I have received has been outstanding. Coming to England has completely changed my life and my world view, for which I am grateful to the University and those who taught me.

During the course of my studies, I have developed a better understanding of public sector management and administration from the local, regional and international perspectives. It was particularly helpful to learn more policy-making and implementation in many different counties.

The visits arranged by the department helped me to understand my shortcomings in public management and to develop ideas that I could implement in my country. The course also gave me an opportunity to learn more about the European Union, policy-making at supranational level and the importance of the regional integration in the socio-economic development of countries.

Rani Ghosh, UK
MSc Biomedicine

I chose the School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Portsmouth because of its reputation for excellence in teaching and access to state-of-the-art research facilities. My favourite part of the course was the taught neuroscience unit. I realised that I had a natural affinity and flair for this subject area and subsequently I chose my MSc research project in neuro-oncology.

The Faculty of Science offers modern, sophisticated research equipment including a new microscope suite housed with confocal/electron microscopes and fluorescence microscopy, facilities which were of great benefit to me when I was undertaking my summer research project. The greatest support I received is unquestionably from the academic staff. Whenever I sought guidance or support from staff members they always made time to discuss the issues at hand. I was able to set time aside for independent research as well as part-time work, which allowed me to finance myself throughout the course.

The MSc has opened my eyes to the world of scientific research and I have been encouraged by my peers to continue in the academic field and vie for a PhD studentship, which is my primary concern at present.