What's great about ENISA is that you work alongside colleagues with expertise in so many different areas. I really enjoy exchanging knowledge with our technical experts, getting a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of cybersecurity, while also bringing my own legal and policy perspective to the table.
Could you tell us a little about your professional background, your current role at the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), and what inspired you to join the Agency?
I studied IT law, and after graduating, I had the opportunity to do a traineeship at the Council of the European Union. It was such an exciting experience to see how EU policies are actually made! What I also quickly realised was just how many interesting people there are in Brussels. So I made it my personal mission to invite as many people as possible for a coffee and to hear their stories!
With my interest in digital policy, ENISA quickly came onto my radar. What really excited me was the opportunity to move from the policy-making side to actually supporting the implementation of those policies. And that's been such an interesting transition, seeing how things move from ideas on paper to making a real difference in practice.
What do you find most rewarding about your work at ENISA, and how does your role contribute to strengthening cybersecurity across Europe?
What I find most rewarding is that you really feel you're contributing to something that matters to society. For example, in my work, we bring Member States together to strengthen cooperation on cybersecurity supervision and to exchange best practices. And you quickly realise how much Member States can actually learn from each other! Often, they're dealing with very similar challenges, so instead of everyone trying to figure things out on their own, we can help them learn from each other's experiences and avoid duplicating efforts. I find that really motivating!
Another thing I absolutely love is how closely our work is connected to what's happening in the world around us. There's always something new going on! For example, ENISA is now also supporting countries in the Western Balkans in the context of the EU enlargement agenda. It's really exciting to be involved in work that is so relevant to current European developments and to see how you can actually make a difference.
How would you describe the working environment at ENISA, particularly the collaboration with colleagues from different professional and cultural backgrounds?
The working environment at ENISA is really interesting, and it's actually one of the things I enjoy most about working in an international organisation! You're surrounded by colleagues from so many different countries, with different professional backgrounds, experiences and ways of looking at things.
I think that's what makes it so valuable. Everyone brings their own perspective and knowledge to the table, and it really challenges you to look at things differently. You learn so much from each other, but also about yourself! It definitely makes you more open-minded and teaches you how to communicate and work with people who might approach things completely differently.
And of course, being based in Greece, the Greek food and catering are a very nice bonus!
What opportunities for learning, professional development and personal growth have you experienced at ENISA, and how has working in a European agency shaped your career?
My background is in IT law, so I came in with a strong foundation in the legal and policy side of cybersecurity, as well as some technical knowledge from my studies. What's great about ENISA is that you work alongside colleagues with expertise in so many different areas. I really enjoy exchanging knowledge with our technical experts, getting a deeper understanding of the technical aspects of cybersecurity, while also bringing my own legal and policy perspective to the table.
What makes working at ENISA a meaningful career experience for you, and what would you say to someone considering joining the Agency?
For me, it's really the mandate of ENISA that makes working here so meaningful. Cybersecurity affects all of us, and it's great to know that the work you're doing contributes to enhancing cybersecurity in Europe.
What I also find incredibly exciting is how quickly the field is evolving. There's always something new happening, new challenges coming up and new things to learn. It definitely keeps you on your toes, and I love that!
So, to anyone considering joining ENISA, I would say: go for it! If you're curious, enjoy working with people from different backgrounds and want to contribute to something that really matters, it's a fantastic place to be. And I can promise you, you'll never be bored!