Lazaros Efraimoglou
Country of origin: Greece
MSc Course: Energy, Trade and Finance
Graduation year: 2023
Breaking new ground in the energy sector
How one Bayes graduate is using his master’s to bring innovation to an emerging market
When Lazaros Efraimoglou was thinking about a postgraduate degree, he considered universities on both sides of the Atlantic.
“I was at a point in my career where I knew that I wanted to do a master’s and I was looking at options in the UK and the US. I chose Bayes Business School and the MSc Energy, Trade and Finance course because of the excellent reputation of The Costas Grammenos Centre for Shipping, Trade and Finance.”
“I knew that I wanted to specialise my expertise in finance and business. At the time I applied to Bayes, it was the peak of the energy crisis in 2022. Therefore, I found the course really interesting as it focused on the energy sector. I was also compelled by the fact that I could deepen my understanding in trade and finance, which were already my fields of interest.”
Lazaros completed his undergraduate degree in Management with Finance from Warwick Business School during the first year of the Covid lockdown.
“Even though I knew that I wanted to pursue a master’s degree after I graduated, I didn’t want to do it under the conditions that were imposed at the time. So, I returned back to my home country, Greece, where I worked for two years at the Development Bank of Greece and at EY, working in consulting and in investment banking. After the restrictions were lifted, I was ready to pursue my master's career.”
Support from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation
Lazaros received a scholarship to support his studies at Bayes, courtesy of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation. He found the application process straightforward and easy to follow.
“Obviously the scholarship helped alleviate the financial burden, but more than that, I’d say it really enhanced my year through the connections I was able to build and the events I participated in.”
“At the Foundation’s events, it was great to meet alumni and other scholars of the programme, who shared their experiences and gave me feedback which helped me tackle challenges I was facing. They also gave me their unique perspectives on my future career plans and help with job applications.”
“More than that, there is a strong sense of belonging – it’s like a family who supports one another in their professional and personal careers, who can go on to have a good impact on the world.”
“I’d encourage anyone that receives the scholarship to really engage with the Stelios Foundation – attend all the events and get to know the staff and alumni. Ultimately, it’s for your own benefit and growth.”
A unique student experience
One of the elements Lazaros most appreciated about his time at Bayes, was the close bonds built between students and faculty.
“I really enjoyed the fact that all the faculty were very close to the students, and you could establish relationships which were friendly, productive and constructive. This was something I had not experienced before. In particular, Dr Ioannis Moutzouris was extremely supportive and was always keen to listen to any problems or concerns I had.”
Bringing new innovations to market
Lazaros is currently pursuing a PhD which is going to be on the application of blockchain technologies into renewable energy investments.
“I have found an American firm based in Silicon Valley, with offices in London, Athens, Malta and the Middle East, that is keen to open a Department of PhD analysts. It is a Fintech firm which is offering alternative investment opportunities to banks and funds. I’m going to be creating an investment product like a financial derivative which can be traded among the banks using blockchain technology. I’ll be creating the financial derivative through a smart contract, and each smart contract is represented by a crypto asset that will derive its value from the value of the contract. Nothing exists like this currently and it will be totally new to the market.”
“My master’s at Bayes gave me the fundamental knowledge for my new endeavour.”
Putting learning into practice
“One of the most memorable modules from my master’s was the module on energy economics, which gave an in-depth analysis of how each energy commodity is traded – it was very interesting and eye-opening.”
“The Business Project that we developed as a group was also really valuable. It was a great insight into how an energy investment works in the real world and how you can tackle challenges that might come up.”
“It turned out to be an accurate representation – while working as an analyst at EY I saw many aspects that I first saw on that project.”
“I feel confident that my master’s has given me the prerequisite knowledge and skills to pursue both the PhD and a career in the energy sector.”
Looking to the future
“I’m really excited that I have chosen to pursue my career in the energy sector. I feel it is now at an inflection point where new innovations are coming. I believe Bayes gave me the right academic knowledge and competences to have a career in a sector that will expand greatly in the future and allow me to grow along with it.”
“I’m also excited to see where the future takes my friends and fellow classmates. I made great friendships that I cherish, and I will keep for the rest of my life.”
“Bayes Business School and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation creates a lifelong network of connections and activities. I had an amazing year, so my advice for prospective students is ‘go for it!’. It’s a great experience to have.”
“I believe the combination of studying in London at Bayes, and working with its faculty and students, allows everyone to pursue their dreams in their respective field. Take advantage of the opportunity and make the most of it.”
