Dimitrios Petkidis MSc

The course

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS)?

Coming from a technical background, I wanted to broaden my skill set and develop a more business-oriented mindset. UEBS offered the chance to attend guest lectures and presentations, learning directly from professionals with years of industry experience.

The programme also provided hands-on projects that connected to real-world practices, along with opportunities to work with the Student Development Team to prepare for future career steps.

On top of that, Edinburgh itself is an incredible city to live and study in. It is rich in history, full of culture, and home to a diverse, international student community. It created the perfect environment for both academic and personal growth.

What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?

When I looked into the programme's structure, I quickly realised that the curriculum matched both my career goals and personal interests. It covered the world of data-driven business while offering a variety of specialisations and courses that caught my attention.

What really set it apart, though, was the chance to work on collaborative, real-world projects with other students, plus the opportunity to take on an industry-based dissertation. Those hands-on experiences felt like the best way to apply what I was learning and prepare for a career in data.

Your career

Can you tell us about your career before and after graduating?

Before graduating, I was excited about working with data but wasn’t exactly sure which role would suit me best. With an engineering background, I knew I wanted to use my technical skills, but the next step in my career felt unclear.

Studying at UEBS was a turning point. The programme helped me build a versatile skill set and approach problems with an open mind. I got to explore different areas within data, work on real projects, and see how different roles fit together.

It was during this time that I discovered my passion for infrastructure and the various ways data can be processed and managed to solve real problems. That clarity led me to take the next step and start my career as a data engineer and eventually grow into a leadership role where I can mentor and empower others.

I gained a clearer vision for my career, discovering my passion for diverse methods of data processing.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

The programme provided me with a strong foundation in data analysis, statistics, and business strategy, all valuable skills for any data-related role.

Working on collaborative, real-world data projects and engaging with industry experts helped me grow both technically and personally. It taught me how to apply what I was learning to real business problems, rather than just focusing on theory.

I also gained a much clearer understanding of the wider data ecosystem and how different roles fit together. That made the transition into a data engineering role feel far more natural and gave me the confidence to take on real-world challenges early in my career.

Masters of Change

What notable changes has your degree enabled you to make in your professional or personal life?

The programme’s strong focus on industry engagement and real-world, collaborative projects had a big impact on me. Working closely with others on practical challenges helped me build stronger connections, develop my skills, and grow in confidence both professionally and personally.

By the time I graduated, I felt very different from when I first started. One of the most notable changes was how I approached challenges and new opportunities. Being surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds pushed me to grow, and I left the programme feeling more confident, adaptable, and excited to take on the next stage of my career.

What are the changes you have been able to make in your chosen field, of which you are most proud?

As a data engineer, much of my focus is on building reliable data foundations. That means improving infrastructure, data quality, and making sure the insights people rely on for decisions are accurate and trustworthy. It’s always rewarding to see that work translate into better products, user experiences, or more informed, impactful decisions.

One highlight from a previous role was using data to help ensure the timely delivery of essential goods during the Covid-19 pandemic. Knowing that our work made a real difference at such a critical time is something I’m especially proud of.

More recently, as a data engineering manager, my biggest impact has come from enabling others. Mentoring engineers, supporting their growth, and creating an environment where they can take ownership and increase their impact.

How did your studies at the Business School help you to make those changes?

My studies gave me a solid foundation to grow both technically and personally. I got a deeper understanding of the data ecosystem and sharpened my technical skills, which I rely on heavily in my role.

Collaborative projects and teamwork were an integral part of the programme, and those experiences helped me understand how to collaborate effectively with engineers and teams from different areas, navigate different perspectives, and support my team. This has been crucial in my career, especially since data engineering often requires working closely with both technical and business teams.

I also met professors, industry professionals, and classmates who exposed me to different approaches and ways of thinking. Those experiences still influence how I approach mentoring today, helping others grow their career.

What key things that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning how important it is to connect technical work to real business needs. Using data and technical skills to solve practical problems and making decisions based on evidence is something I still do every day.

The Business School's strong link to industry and its focus on real-world, collaborative projects helped me develop both technical and soft skills. I learned what it means to be involved in a project from start to finish, and how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and skill sets to tackle complex challenges.

Finally, the programme encouraged a mindset of continuous learning and self-improvement, both professionally and personally, which continues to guide how I work and lead today.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

Some of my best memories are the time spent with fellow students and friends, studying and tackling challenges together in the Business School Hub or the library. We bonded over shared struggles, helped each other out, and had a lot of fun working on all sorts of problems.

Beyond studying, I really valued the time we spent just being together, taking breaks, walking around campus or the city, talking about our projects and future plans, or just sharing stories. Those moments built friendships and memories that have stayed with me long after the programme ended.

What one piece of advice would you give to current students and recent graduates?

Keep pushing your own boundaries and stay curious. Learning doesn’t stop when you graduate, and committing to continuous learning makes a huge difference over time.

Seek out courses, resources, or experiences that genuinely interest you, whether they’re directly related to your field or something completely new. Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to step into unfamiliar territory or feel uncomfortable at times. Challenges and setbacks are part of the process, and even when they’re hard, they’re often where the most growth happens.