GIANNIS PAGKALINIS
Giannis is from Greece and is studying an Advanced Diploma of Business at Hunter TAFE. He lives with his wife in an apartment close to Newcastle’s CBD.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN NEWCASTLE?
“Newcastle is an amazing city.
It is a great blend of a smaller urban area with virtually all the facilities of a big city plus if you get really desperate Sydney is only 2 hours down the freeway or railway.
People are friendly, open-minded, gorgeous architecture, public transport is good and some of the most stunning scenery is within a few minutes’ drive.
Newcastle also is a relaxed city. The cost of living is potentially very low and if you are working in town, you would have the choice of living in a coastal area, a greener area, or a lovely village, all within a reasonable distance.”
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE NEWCASTLE?
“My friend studied here and he was always telling me about his positive memories of Newcastle TAFE. This was one of the reasons behind my decision to come here. However, the most influential factor was Newcastle TAFE’s international reputation for outstanding teaching quality.”
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT/TO DO IN NEWCASTLE/HUNTER?
“I enjoy walking along the coast with these absolutely stunning views of the city and along the coast. Walking alongside the ocean and enjoying dolphins swimming by and birds soaring above your head it is a magical experience.
Another thing that I enjoy, especially the summer days is swimming at the Merewether Ocean baths which are reputed to be the largest ocean baths in the southern hemisphere! Really love this place! Great place to just sit back and watch the world go by.
Recently I discovered the magic of cycling and I enjoy my bike ride the Fernleigh Track. A relaxing bike ride along the 15-kilometre track from Adamstown to Belmont surrounded by the fragrant bushland is a serene experience.”
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ONCE YOUR COURSE IS COMPLETE?
“Advanced Diploma of Business is a course to advance my existing business experience and enhance supervision and leadership skills in my workplace. With this qualification I can move from an entry-level position to one with more responsibility, and create new opportunities in any organisation.
I will build on my existing knowledge in sales and gain deeper understanding and skills in business. There will be more opportunities for career advancement, positions with more responsibilities and increased salary and I will become more valuable to any business.
Finally, I believe it will help me to develop a successful career in Business and Management area in Greece or somewhere else where knowledge and skills gained during my degree will be highly valued by employers.”