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Eleni Avgenaki

Rethymno, Greece

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science


Eleni came to study Biomedical Science at Sunderland after completing her exams in Greece. Her favourite part of the course was the laboratories and workshops she completed for projects, as this gave her the chance to put theory into practice. After graduating with a first-class honours degree, she started her career working as an Engineering Recruitment Consultant for Wallsend-based company Jackson Hogg, applying the skills she learned on the course to her role.

I arrived in Sunderland through an agency which collaborates with the University, based in Crete. Before deciding to relocate to Sunderland, I was a high school student studying for a set of exams which almost all Greek students take before going to university.

While studying at the University, I enjoyed the modules of my course, as I learned about the human body, how it functions, and how to identify and treat diseases. I specifically enjoyed the laboratories and workshops we did as part of projects. These offered me real-life experiences and gave me the opportunity to put theory into practice while collaborating with my colleagues.

Since graduating, my career has taken a turn to the engineering recruitment sector. I have been working as an Engineering Recruitment Consultant specialising in electrical and electronics with a company called Jackson Hogg, based in Wallsend. While it is very different to what I studied, it really interests me, as I love helping people and supporting them in achieving their goals. Coaching and managing are areas that interest me, so a career in project management would be a goal of mine for the future.

One of the main areas my course helps me with my current work is how to conduct research proposals. As an Engineering Recruitment Consultant, I need to use analytical skills to understand my client’s requirements, gather data and interpret them effectively. That has helped me find the right talent for my clients and match my candidates with the right opportunities in a competitive market.

My advice to prospective students is to meet people, network, and connect with different cultures. The University is very welcoming, you can join events, socials, and clubs where you can meet people and make friends. Another great way to socialise is getting involved in volunteering opportunities either with the Students’ Union or outside.

My experience studying at the University of Sunderland is invaluable and has been the steppingstone for my personal and professional life. I met incredible people from all around the world, studied a very interesting course, and developed many skills which have been useful for my career, including communication and problem-solving.”

Published 21 October 2024

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