Hi Panagiotis! You’ve been with us for only three months, so the recruitment process is still fresh in your mind. How did you come in contact with Cegeka and what stood out to you during the interview process?

I was first approached on LinkedIn for the Data Analyst role in the Public Cloud team. After a great initial conversation with a recruiter, I immediately felt the role matched my skills and interests. The interview process was very well structured. I particularly enjoyed the technical part because it wasn’t just a chance to showcase my expertise, but also an opportunity to meet potential teammates and get a sense of how well our personalities and working styles matched. That aspect really stood out to me and made the experience feel more engaging.

Tell us about the onboarding experience – is there something that made a difference during these first few months?

The onboarding process was smooth and well organized. From day one, I felt genuinely welcomed, which made a big difference in helping me settle in quickly. I appreciated the balance between the technical setup and cultural integration. Within a short time, I had a clear view of my responsibilities and felt confident contributing to the team.

You’re working in a multicultural team, in a hybrid set-up. How does this influence the ways of working and building relationships?

Working in a multicultural, hybrid environment has been a great opportunity for personal and professional growth. From my experience, it does require intentional effort especially when it comes to communication. To collaborate effectively and build trust you need to be mindful of different communication styles and cultural norms. I’ve found that being adaptable and approaching interactions with empathy goes a long way in creating strong working relationships.

Before joining Cegeka, you’ve been with the same company for six years. What was that like? How did you decide to make a change and what attracted you to this role in Cegeka?

During my long tenure at my previous company, I had the opportunity to grow from the ground up, gaining valuable experience and building many fulfilling memories along the way. However, there came a point where a transition was necessary for continued professional development. I was looking for a new challenge, something that aligned with my evolving skills and interests. Cegeka offered exactly that. What truly drew me in was the chance to work in a highly diverse environment, both culturally and technically. Combined with the innovative solutions the company provides, I knew this was the right next step for me.

You have a bachelor’s degree in statistics and a master’s degree in data science. How has this educational background shaped your career?

My academic background has been incredibly important to my career. Beyond equipping me with the technical knowledge directly applicable to my role, it also helped shape my professional direction. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to work on a project that involved in-depth data analysis and insights presentation. That experience sparked my interest in the field and helped me realize that working with data was something I wanted to pursue long-term. I'm especially grateful that my education strengthened my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, both of which are essential in the technical role I hold today.

What soft skills are essential for someone who wants to build a career in data science?

Alongside problem-solving, I’d say curiosity and creativity are key. In my experience, being naturally curious and willing to explore unconventional approaches is essential. Thinking creatively allows you to go beyond standard methods to find the solutions you need. These qualities form a solid foundation for success in any data-driven role.

Tell us about your work in Cegeka, and your role in the team.

The Public Cloud team here at Cegeka primarily works within the Microsoft ecosystem, using Azure as the data backend and Power BI for analytics. In my role, I’m responsible for orchestrating and maintaining data pipelines that move data from various sources into Azure. I also design and deploy Power BI dashboards based on that data, ensuring they are accessible and useful for end users. Additionally, I’m involved in the ongoing maintenance and optimization of these dashboards to ensure the information remains accurate, relevant, and up to date.

You’ve won third place at the Greek Championship in amateur football. Can you tell us more about this moment and also share with us what other hobbies you have?

I've always been a football fan, so at some point I decided to join my local team. One of our proudest moments was securing that third place and earning a medal to show for it. I still follow football closely and would love to play more regularly than I currently do. Beyond sports, I’ve realized over the years that I have a genuine love for learning, and that’s reflected in my current hobbies. I enjoy reading, going to the movies, visiting museums, and attending cultural events. These activities not only help me unwind but also keep me curious and inspired.