Workshop on the Career Prospects of Graduates of the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment of the University of Thessaly

On December 10, 2025, a workshop was held at the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment of the University of Thessaly, focusing on the career prospects of the Department’s graduates in the labor market. The event featured alumni who are professionally active in different fields of agriculture.

The workshop was co-organized by the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment and the Department’s Student Association and was coordinated by the Vice Chair of the Department, Professor Georgios Nanos. Opening remarks were delivered by the Vice-Rector of Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations & Digital Governance Professor Chrysi Laspidou, the Chair of the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, Professor Nikolaos Katsoulas, as well as the President of the Board of the Department’s Student Association, Mr. Giorgos Metlaris.

The invited speakers were six female graduates of the Department, who presented their professional career paths and shared their experiences from today’s labor market. Specifically, Ms. Maria Karatziou, an agronomist working for a Producers’ Organization of apples and vegetables in the region of Kastoria, discussed the role of Integrated Crop Management and the qualifications required when recruiting new agronomists.

Ms. Maria Mereti presented her professional journey from graduation to the present day, both in the field of plant tissue culture and in large-scale modern crop production, highlighting the skills and competencies she considers essential for the professional integration of young agronomists.

Ms. Eirini-Maria Gellou, a recent graduate of the Department, referred to the challenges of entering the labor market for the first time and emphasized the importance of continuous learning.

Ms. Domna Petsani presented her career path through a variety of professional experiences, which led to her current position in a private agricultural consulting company, highlighting the demands and particularities of working closely with farmers.

Ms. Evangelia Brozou discussed her decision to pursue a career in education, describing her transition to secondary education and her professional engagement in Special Education.

Finally, Dr. Anastasia Fountouli presented her academic and research career, from her undergraduate studies to her involvement in research centers abroad, emphasizing the importance of clear goal-setting and consistency in scientific development.

Overall, the workshop highlighted the wide range of career opportunities available to graduates of the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment of the University of Thessaly and provided valuable information to students regarding the demands of the modern labor market, the necessary skills for their professional careers, and suggestions for the continuous improvement of the study program.