Inaugural Greek Australian Careers Day focused on providing pathways to success

·

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) together with the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) successfully hosted the inaugural HMSA Careers Day on Saturday, September 7 at the Greek Centre in Melbourne.

The organisers were heartened by the turnout, with 150 people in attendance and the collective engagement of all participants.

There was strong messaging throughout the day, especially from the President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, as well as the panellists, regarding the importance of networking and connecting with their peers and professionals alike.

greek australian careers day
All photos supplied by Con Deves.
greek australian careers day

There were more than 30 Greek Australian professionals, representing a number of fields including medicine, law, business, creative arts and more. They were present to talk to and connect with the students, answer their questions and help provide guidance regarding their future career aspirations throughout the breakout sessions and the networking session.

Prominent panellists included Dr Arthur Kokkinias (Adult Psychiatrist and secretary of the HMSA), Yianni Zaparas (Managing Partner of Zaparas Lawyers), Ross Savas (Managing Director of Kay and Burton Real Estate Agency), Melissa Pateras (Founder and CEO of Meleros Cosmetics) and Kathy Tsaples (Author, chef, owner of Sweet Greek).

greek australian careers day
greek australian careers day

Panellist Dr Ben Filipopoulos (Cardiology Registrar and Research Fellow, HMSA Board member) said, “the careers day was a thoroughly enjoyable event and it was fantastic to see so much involvement from both students and professionals, united together through a common love for their Hellenic heritage. We hope it offered students guidance and assistance in their decision making.”

City of Darebin Councillor, Pharmacist and Lawyer, Emily Dimitriadis added, “it was an insightful afternoon, hearing stories of resilience, persistence and triumph – ultimately inspiring our Greek youth to follow their dreams and do what they love.”

According to Dr Athina Pirpiris, who helped to organise the HMSA Careers Day, “the event was an exemplar of the strong bond Greek Australians of all generations continue to have with their heritage and traditions.”

greek australian careers day
greek australian careers day

“The event was also a timely reminder of the enormous contribution Greek Australians have made to the Australian socioeconomic fabric, and the importance of imparting our community’s collective wisdom and insight to the Greek Australian leaders of tomorrow,” Dr Pirpiris added.

Students and parents gave positive feedback, with some students especially enthusiastic about the opportunity to seek advice and learn from the professionals in attendance.

“It was such a great mix of successful Greek Australian professionals. They were really inspiring to talk to,” one student said.

greek australian careers day
greek australian careers day

Another added, “it was helpful to network with the professionals. This has really helped me plan what to do next year.”

Parent Effie Papaioannou said there was “such a distinguished and inspiring group of panellists and mentors for the students to learn from and engage with.”

“As a parent, I was very grateful for the immense effort made by the HMSA and GCM to curate such a special day,” Effie said.

The initiative was developed in collaboration with Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris, President of the HMSA. His help and support was an important part of establishing an innovative and inclusive platform to provide students with a Careers Day. Assoc. Prof. Pirpiris, who was unfortunately in Greece discussing tertiary and postgraduate collaborations with the Greek Government and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, is committed to helping students connect and successfully navigate their career paths with this project and many more to come.

There was great support from the sponsors and the organisers thank them for their contributions to the event. The sponsors included: Zaparas Lawyers, Accountancy Group, the Commonwealth Bank, Oasis Coffee and Bakaliko Oakleigh.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Deputy Minister signals openness to reform after diaspora letter on Honorary Consulate

Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister for the Diaspora, Ioannis Loverdos, has responded to an open letter about Queensland's Honorary Consulate.

Government urged to act as Armenian and Greek Genocides commemorated in Canberra

The 110th anniversary of the Armenian and Greek Genocides was solemnly commemorated at the ACT Legislative Assembly in Canberra on Tuesday.

Sewn with love: Leah Plakias’ 14-month-long journey towards dress of her dreams

Come New Year, resolutions run awry. Some we keep, others take a back seat. For Leah, 2024 saw her tackle one of her biggest to date.

Pallaconian Association of Canberra marks 25 years with ‘Taste of Laconia’ celebration

The Pallaconian Association of Canberra & Districts celebrated their 25th Anniversary by hosting ‘Taste of Laconia’.

Cypriot Community of Apostle Andrew in Melbourne celebrates 70th anniversary

Over 400 people gathered on Saturday evening, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Cypriot Community of Apostle Andrew.

You May Also Like

Anthony Albanese secures re-election in 2025 Federal Election

Anthony Albanese wins the 2025 Australian federal election, becoming the first PM since 2004 to be re-elected after a full term.

‘Australians deserve a better future’: Q&A with Labor Leader Anthony Albanese

As the election race enters its final half, Opposition Leader, Anthony Albanese, sat down with The Greek Herald and answered our questions.

Kytherians honoured with bronze panel on Australia’s National Monument to Migration

The names of 192 Kytherian migrants have been permanently inscribed on a dedicated bronze panel on the National Monument to Migration.