Alexandros Koronakis - Cognitive and Decision Sciences MSc

Current job title: Editor in Chief
Current employer: New Europe Newspaper

Why did you choose UCL and your degree programme?               

UCL is one of the top universities in the world to study the brain. The course content and top tier professors made me apply, but it was the ability to be able to study part-time and continue to work that made it possible.

What did you enjoy most about your time at UCL?          

The multicultural, intercultural environment of both students and professors. It makes it easy for everyone not just to fit in, but to make connections that they can carry forward in their lives. 

What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?          

The ability of professors to continuously challenge students to extend their knowledge, but more importantly, change the way the think about the core questions of our being.

Did you experience any benefits from undertaking your studies in London?

London is a city that is accessible. An hour from Paris, and two hours from Brussels. As a location for studying, it can rival any city in the world.

Do you have any tips or helpful advice for incoming students?   

Challenge yourself and don't stay in your comfort zone when it comes to undertaking a degree.

How did you get to where you are now in your career? Was there anything that particularly helped?      

Beyond my job title, I'm an entrepreneur. To get where I am in my career, I've had to foster growth in a rapidly declining industry. This can only happen with dedication and personal sacrifice. Above all, I've had to weather many storms and employ innovative thinking.

What do you enjoy most about your job?            

The feeling of being able to, from time to time, make a dent in the world for the better.

What does it take to do your job well (strengths, skills etc.)?      

In terms of skills: great interpersonal communication skills, a vast array of technical skills, and language skills.   More generally: being able to consume and process vast amount of information on topics which I am not well-acquainted with;  building and fostering long-term relationships of trust; navigating the spheres of politics, business, and civil society; developing and managing a great team ;being able to understand that the world never stops spinning (no matter what is going on in your life); and most importantly, believing in what I do.

Since leaving UCL, have you used any of the services for alumni such as networking events, reunions or mentoring tools? If so, how have these been useful to you?              

I have been to one alumni event in London, but unfortunately missed an alumni drink in Brussels. I look forward to future events.

Are you involved in any volunteering activities?

I am one of the organisers of a yearly charity event that has in the last few years collected funds and provided them to crisis-torn Greece. These included civil society organisations, charities, and schools in need of money for fuel to warm children in the winter.