Maria Peppa

If someone had told me a few years ago that I would complete an MBA while working full-time, earn my Violin Diploma after nineteen years of dedication, and begin a new chapter at the National Bank of Greece, I would not have believed them. Looking back now, I realise that none of these achievements happened overnight. They all came from persistence, patience, and believing that every step forward matters.

Before joining the University of Nicosia, I had completed my Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Financial Management. Although I already had a strong academic background, I wanted to continue learning. I was looking for a programme that would challenge me and help me grow both professionally and personally.

That is why I chose the MBA in Human Resource Management at the University of Nicosia. I liked that it combined business strategy with the human side of organisations. Every successful company depends on its people, and I wanted to understand not only how businesses operate but also how leadership, communication and motivation influence success.

Studying remotely gave me the flexibility to continue working while completing my degree, but it also required discipline. There were many evenings and weekends dedicated to assignments and research instead of free time. It wasn’t always easy, but every completed module reminded me why I started that journey in the first place.

One of the things I appreciated most about the programme was that it encouraged us to think beyond theory. We analysed real organisations, worked on practical case studies, and learned how to approach business challenges with a strategic mindset. Instead of simply memorising information, we were constantly asked to apply it. That experience has changed the way I now think and make decisions.

At the same time, another important life milestone became reality. After nineteen years of learning, practising, and never giving up, I finally earned my Violin Diploma.

Music has taught me lessons that no textbook ever could: patience, discipline and the importance of continuing even when progress feels slow. Looking back, I realise that my MBA and my music journey had something important in common. Both reminded me that meaningful achievements require commitment and consistency.

Today, I am excited to begin a new chapter as I start my career at the National Bank of Greece.  I truly believe that the knowledge, confidence, and way of thinking, that I developed during my MBA studies, played an important role in helping me reach this opportunity.

If I could give one piece of advice to someone considering studying at UNIC, it would be this: believe in yourself, even when the journey feels demanding. There will be moments when balancing work, studies, and personal life seems overwhelming, but every challenge teaches you something valuable. The effort is worth it, and the skills you gain stay with you long after graduation.

Although I have only recently graduated, I already feel connected to the wider university’s community and hope to become an active member of the UNIC Alumni Association in the future. I look forward to meeting fellow graduates, sharing experiences, and continuing to learn from people who have followed different paths but they share the same commitment to education and personal growth.

For me, graduating from the University of Nicosia is not the end of a journey; it is the beginning of a new one. I am proud of how far I have come, grateful for everything I have learned along the way, and excited to see where the next chapter leads.