The Greek Centre in Melbourne was buzzing with excitement as over 100 high school students from years 10 to 12, along with diverse professionals, gathered for the inaugural Pathways to Success careers day, organised by the Hellenic Medical Society of Australia (HMSA) and the Greek Community of Melbourne, (GCM).
The event, a brainchild of urologist Dr Athina Pirpiris, a key figure in the HMSA, aimed to guide students in exploring career pathways and building valuable networks.
In her opening remarks, Dr Pirpiris encouraged students to remain “flexible and open to changes,” stressing the importance of adapting to various paths. “There are different ways of getting there,” she advised, urging students to consider unconventional routes to achieve their goals. She emphasised the benefits of “generalist” approach at the start of career trajectory.
“I urge all students to step outside your comfort zone and begin connecting with the professionals here today” said Dr Pirpiris and asked students to consider there many paths in a career.
The careers day was developed with Associate Professor Marinis Pirpiris, the president of the HMSA. Professor Pirpiris was absent from the day as he was in Greece discussing tertiary and postgraduate collaborations with the Greek Government and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
The careers day featured three panels of professionals and entrepreneurs, each sharing their career journeys and the challenges they faced. Among the speakers were notable figures such as Kathy Tsaples, founder of *Sweet Greek* and cookbook author; Virgin Airlines captain George Kailis; real estate professional Ross Savas; cosmetics entrepreneur Melissa Patras; and academics Dr Stephie Nicoloudis and Dr Andonis Piperoglou.
Tsaples reflected on her career transition from the corporate sector to opening a Mediterranean food shop at Prahran Market. “It was one of the biggest decisions of my life,” she said. “I went from managing the wealth of others in a high-paying corporate job to following in the footsteps of many migrant parents and opening a food shop.”
Captain Kailis shared how he chose a different path from many of his peers. “Instead of becoming a lawyer or doctor, I went into flying,” he said. He also spoke about his role as a representative of the Australian Airline Pilots’ Association and his current work in training new pilots.
Ross Savas, reflecting on his career, revealed that at just 15 years old, he was inspired by reading *BRW* magazine and realizing that “the wealthiest people were in property,” which led him to pursue real estate. He emphasized the importance of hard work and also highlighted the need to prioritize health.
Bill Papastergiadis, the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), took to the podium to thank Dr Pirpiris and all those involved. He said the event was about “connection.”
“It’s connecting you with others, it’s connecting yourselves with your peers, and it’s connecting you with your community, then it’s your ability to connect with others, to relate to others your ability to form relationships.”
After the panel discussions, students had the opportunity to engage directly with professionals in industry-based panels covering Business, Law and Politics, Science, Engineering, IT and Aviation, Medicine and Dentistry, Arts, Media, and Visual Arts, and Allied Health.
The day concluded with a networking session, where students and professionals mingled, exchanged ideas, and forged new connections, leaving many inspired and better equipped to navigate their career paths.
