Connections: Vasileios Theodosiadis

What’s your standout memory of Warwick?

When I got accepted by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) to pursue my MSc dissertation in collaboration with them in Whitley. This opportunity marked my introduction to the corporate world, where I had the chance to work on real-world industry challenges.

How would you sum up Warwick in the time that you were there and your generation of students?

My time at Warwick was an incredible experience, blending world-class lectures with the opportunity to collaborate with international peers on group assignments. I also had the chance to participate in industry visits across a wide range of sectors, which enriched my learning. A piece of advice for future students: embrace your - perhaps - final year as a student to build lasting friendships and make the most of the diverse activities available on campus to gain valuable experiences that will shape your future.

What was the student culture like at Warwick, and were there any annual traditions, societies, sports clubs, or events that you remember?

Warwick is renowned for its dynamic atmosphere, with countless societies and industry partners organising events on a daily basis (without exaggeration). I fondly remember my time with the Warwick Consulting Society, where hands-on activities not only helped me build practical experience but also broadened my horizons.

Also, being part of the Warwick Hellenic and Cypriot Society also brought me closer to my roots and created lasting memories with fellows from my home country. Additionally, I was fortunate to attend numerous company visits on campus as well as dinners with executives away from it, both of which offered me invaluable networking opportunities and insights into the corporate world.

Finish the sentence: Warwick influenced who I am today, because…

It taught me to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. One of the most formative experiences was collaborating with Jaguar Land Rover on my dissertation, which demonstrated how effectively academia and industry can work together to create mutually beneficial outcomes. This experience laid the foundation for my work at IBM, where, even as a graduate, I took the initiative to lead projects that connected universities with industry partners.

Additionally, coming from a computer science background, my time at Warwick Business School enriched my understanding of management theory and honed my ability to apply empirical insights to theoretical frameworks, —skills I continue to leverage in my collaborations with professors and students, publishing in top academic conferences and journals.

Finally, one of the most memorable pieces of advice I received from the Careers team was, 'Now that you’ve landed the job, you’re entering a new chapter where you need to prove yourself and find new ways to grow'. This mindset has been a guiding principle in my career and continues to shape my professional journey.

Vasileios Theodosiadis

MSc Information Systems Management and Innovation, 2017