The Journey
To My Success

Virginia Kladou:
"Success is having the knowledge and the ability to take what they gave you, appreciate it, and make the most out of it"

Growing up I was more inclined to mathematics and physics than anything else, so a STEM subject was the way to go for me.

My father works as an Aircraft builder so engineering runs in the family. I loved cars, engines, automotive parts, screwdrivers…

As a now graduate of the Mechanical Engineering Department, I can confidently say that I am glad I failed the Greek national exams and that this path opened up for me

At school, I had a distinction but I failed when I took the national exams to enter the Department of Mechanical Engineering. While exploring my alternative options, I participated in the presentation that Cypriot Universities hosted in Chania. After that point, I was convinced that Frederick University was the top option. In retrospect, as a now graduate of the Department, I can confidently say that I am glad I failed the Greek national exams and that this path opened up for me. It was the best.

Right now, I am located in Munich, Germany, and doing my internship at a great company. I work in the design sector, and since we got involved with this subject at the University, I can say that it is pretty easy for me. I know. I know that in this company I will learn a lot, but I also realize how well-prepared Frederick University has made me for this position. They provided me with all the necessary foundations to understand what is going on and feel confident. Other interns have studied the same subject, in different countries and I don’t feel like we are that different. On the contrary, in some cases, I felt like I was more prepared.

We had excellent workshops, incredible academic staff, and really good methods of teaching and evaluation

The Department of Mechanical Engineering of Frederick University is honestly top-tier and equips you with multilevel training. We had excellent workshops, incredible academic staff, and really good methods of teaching and evaluation. I mean, the evaluation was done in the middle of the term, you did not just wait to take your exams once at the end of the year. In this way, you are not taking up all the stress, your studying becomes much more effective and, in every step, you can locate gaps, ask questions and move onwards to the next one.

I have friends in Greece who are studying Mechanical Engineering and haven't even gotten hands-on with machines I had already been working on since the first semester

My relations with the academic staff have been excellent and continue to be just as warm to this day. They're so approachable that you feel like they're friends, and you can reach out to them via phone or email anytime to discuss anything. I have friends in Greece who are studying Mechanical Engineering and haven't even gotten hands-on with machines yet, while I, at the University, have already been working with lathes, milling machines, and welding machines since the first semester through practical courses. Maybe I won't necessarily need these skills in the future, but it's important to understand how to handle them so that you can effectively assess a technician you might need to collaborate with in your future professional journey.

Tutoring is an excellent institution that works really well at Frederick University. During my last year at the University, I worked as a tutor, supporting students in their studies. We would gather and study together, solve exercises, review the course theory, and go through the notes. Whenever someone was stuck, we would all try to find the solution together, explore different methods, and gain a better understanding of the problem.

I really think women have the potential to shine in this profession

I was one of the only two girls in the Department but I was expecting it, as there aren't many women in the field of Mechanical Engineering. Throughout my studies, I never felt like there was a problem, I had excellent relationships with all the students. The University itself never treated me any differently or showed any bias. Although, I did know that later on, in the working world, I might have to prove myself a bit more compared to a male colleague.

I really think women have the potential to shine in this profession. What could really make a difference in getting more girls interested in our Department and, well, in STEM fields overall, is better information. Those stereotypes, they're still hanging around, telling both guys and girls what they're "supposed" to go for. Companies, of course, are still predominantly male-dominated, especially at higher job levels. That's got to change, and personally, I feel like I've got what it takes and I want to make it to the top.

Success is the fact that I can now step out there without fear

Back when I was at the University, I used to feel like grades were the ultimate definition of success. That's why I aimed for excellence in everything I did. But now, looking back after finishing my studies, I realize that success is about the people I met, the moments I lived, and the experiences that these four years gifted me. Success is the fact that I can now step out there without fear. The security I feel, knowing that if I ever need anything, I can just give my professors a call. Success is having the knowledge and the ability to take what they gave me, appreciate it, and make the most out of it.