Christos Panayi graduated from Kent with a Law LLB degree in 2014. He now works as a Data Protection Specialist for the World Food Programme of the United Nations<\/p>\n
What attracted you to your course, and to Kent?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I realised that I had a talent in social sciences and I was always quite argumentative and interested in justice. That is why I decided to do law. Kent was one of my first choices because I had the chance to visit the Canterbury campus while I was still applying. I fell in love with the place instantly.<\/p>\n Which aspects of your degree did you enjoy the most, and why?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n I really liked the critical thinking aspects of my course and the fact that I could choose classes offered from other departments. I took full advantage of that, taking some politics and philosophy classes to compliment my legal training.<\/p>\n What impressed you most about our academic staff?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n How approachable they were. Always willing to have a chat and discuss anything in depth. I found most of my professors to be relatable and felt accepted and safe when expressing myself.<\/p>\n Which skills\/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now in your career?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Drafting, policy-making and analytical thinking is what I do on a daily basis.<\/p>\n Did you undertake any work experience whilst at Kent? What did you do? Did you find it was helpful in your studies and has it benefited your career to date?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n I was working part time for the law school. In my second year I started recording lectures and in my third year I was in charge of the recordings, working with a team of around 10 students and under the supervision of Mark Dean. I was also performing as a musician downtown for the Greek societies. My work with the law school was extremely helpful. I created personal relationships with the support staff and with many lecturers. I felt a sense of responsibility and belonging that definitely contributed positively to my experience. I guess some of the management skills were transferable to my subsequent career as well.<\/p>\n Could you describe a typical day in your current role?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The World Food Programme is one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world providing assistance to roughly 100 million people worldwide on a daily basis. My role is advising on data protection (mainly personal data protection) issues that arise in programmatic, contractual, technical or other processes. I also draft policies for the organization and lead a Technical Working Group for the ethical use of drones in the humanitarian context.<\/p>\n What are your future plans\/aspirations?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n I do not have specific future plans or aspirations. My wish is that I continue being so privileged to provide my work to a cause that inspires me every day.<\/p>\n What is your favourite memory of Kent?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n There are so many. My first day on campus and in my dorm is really up there. But I always reminisce on some random Friday afternoons at Origins enjoying burgers with curly fries with friends after a hard week\u2019s work and before going downtown. Or being part of the Volleyball team, travelling around the country representing the university and always beating Christ Church at our varsity games.<\/p>\n What advice would you give to somebody thinking of coming to Kent?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The campus experience at one of the best law schools in the country is unmatched. Having gone to a what is regarded as a top five university in London for my Master\u2019s, I would insist that the experience that one gets at Kent is much more wholesome and more valuable both on a personal and academic level. You really get to interact with your professors and colleagues and that is where real growth lies.<\/p>\n How would you describe your time at Kent in three words?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Inspired, wholesome, awesome.<\/p>\n
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