Vasiliki Papadopoulos

Vasiliki Papadopoulous approached life as an Edinburgh student with passion and gusto - an attitude she now applies to her working life in Public Affairs in Ontario, Canada.

Your time at the University

I knew I wanted to study abroad for my Masters degree, and I always had the University of Edinburgh at the top of my list of schools to do that. I loved studying political science and philosophy and I knew that the University of Edinburgh was world-renowned for these disciplines. One of my former professors, who attended the University of Edinburgh, also told me how great the school, the campus and the city would be.

My year at the University of Edinburgh was life changing. I was taught by some of the best philosophy professors in the UK. I got lectured in buildings and venues that were are true part of Scottish history, while knowing that greats such as David Hume, Adam Smith and Norman Kemp Smith had taught there.

I made life-long friends from all over the world, who I keep in touch with today. I met my future husband, Keith Kacsuta, who was completing his MSc in Social Research at the same time. I developed a strong skill set transferable to any field of work.

And I fell in love with the city of Edinburgh, whose charms are endless. In the future, I hope my two year old chooses to study at the University of Edinburgh.

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

I currently work as a Senior Manager of Public Affairs at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario in Toronto.

I have had a great career working both in the public and private sectors since completing my degree from the University of Edinburgh, including work as a political aide and a communications and marketing manager and director.

I fell in love with the city of Edinburgh, whose charms are endless. In the future, I hope my two year old chooses to study at the University of Edinburgh.

Since graduating, I have also spent the last ten years participating in Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes in places such as Nicaragua, Tajikistan, New Orleans, Chile, Brazil, and, this summer, in Cambodia.

I graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a rigour of thought and analysis in everything I do, a passion for reading and inquiry, the ability to write and express myself well, the confidence to present and debate, and a drive to reach the goals I set out.

Alumni wisdom

My advice to students is to embrace your time at university. Read, challenge the norm and take risks. No matter the degree, let your passion guide your choices.