Lefki Loverdou
Lefki graduated in 2013 from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, MSc Water Management. After her graduation she gained a couple of years working experience in both the gas & oil industry and water industry.
“Currently, I am working as an advisor/researcher at Deltares. Deltares is a knowledge institute advising the Dutch ministry of infrastructure, water authorities and international clients on water-related issues. It offers me a great fulfilment knowing that my work has a somehow positive effect on the world around me. I aspire to combine my technical background with my interest in developing innovation from a broader perspective.”
Lefki now aims to grow further from her current position as a technical expert to an innovation advisor on water and energy-related topics. “I realize that what I really enjoy is solving new challenging problems on a conceptual level in multidisciplinary diverse teams.”
Her technical background and working experience form different industries form a good starting point, but a diploma from a well-known business school would offer an extra accreditation for her future steps. With the help of the Marina van Damme Grant, she hopes to be able to participate in the Innovation Excellende programme of the Erasmus Business School. During this programme, she aims learn more about the process of developing and facilitating innovation in her organisation.
“The leadership modules of this programme will help me grow as a person by gaining more awareness of my strengths and weaknesses. It will challenge my people skills and it will improve my self-confidence since it will be expected to step constantly outside my comfort zone. At the same time, it will bring me in contact with high achieving professionals from other industries. Through this interaction, I aspire to learn from their skills and gain an insight into other industries that could be used in my own working environment.”