WiWi-Talents programInterview with Melina Savvidou

21 January 2025, by Gunda Stichbury

Photo: Melina Savvidou

The University of Hamburg Business School is pleased to congratulate Melina Savvidou, an outstanding business management student, on her success in the WiWi-Talents program.

WiWi-Talents is a renowned program for highly talented and committed economics students. Melina was one of 14 students out of more than 140 applicants. This award recognizes not only her impressive academic achievements, but also her commitment and determination. Read more about the program at WiWi-Talents.

In the interview below, Melina Savvidou gives us exciting insights into her experiences, her motivation, and her plans for the future. She would also like to encourage other students to apply to WiWi-Talents.

Congratulations on being accepted for WiWi-Talents! How did you first hear about your admission and what was your first thought?

I was notified by email shortly before Christmas Eve. As I had doubted that my achievements would suffice for admission, I was all the more pleased about the positive outcome that is also recognizes my academic achievements to date.

What motivated you to apply to WiWi-Talents?

In October 2024, I discovered the program in a University of Hamburg mailing list and immediately realized the how I could benefit from the program. The chance to receive nonmaterial support as well as a personal profile that would be sent to over 500 HR managers convinced me try my luck and apply.

How did Prof. Dr. Dorothea Alewell’s recommendation influence your application?

According to the WiWi-Media AG website, an evaluation from a professor also plays a role in addition to your academic performance and extramural commitment. Generally speaking, it helps if professors advocate for their students. I am very grateful for Professor Dr. Alewell’s kind support. This is why I would like to encourage all University of Hamburg students to just go ahead and ask their professors for a letter of recommendation without qualm. No matter whether it’s an application to WiWi-Talents, for semesters abroad or scholarship programs. So far, I have never been rejected and I am convinced that professors at our University are generally happy to help students make their way. Pluck up your courage and ask for recommendations!

Your focus is on business management. How does this focus tie in with the WiWi-Talents program?

WiWi-Talents aims to support young students who are heading for leadership roles. A business management focus comes with the benefit of theoretical basis I can build on in practice. I am convinced, however, that students from other disciplines, such STEM, can also be excellent managers.

Can you provide us with a glimpse of your master’s thesis? What is it about and what fascinates you the most about your topic?

I’d love to. I am exploring psychological safety. Since Harvard professor Amy Edmondson’s doctoral work brought the concept back into the spotlight it has received increasing attention across the disciplines, including human resources. However, academics such as Edgar Schein had been contributed to the concept since the 1970s. Edmondson defines psychological safety as a “shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking” (Edmondson, 1999, p. 354). This means, among other things, that it is essential to create a workplace atmosphere that allows employees to express their opinions freely and point out grievances without fear. Studies suggest that psychological safety can strengthen employees’ innovation talent and creativity (Edmondson, 2019; Carmeli et al., 2010). I find it exciting to critically explore these findings. In addition, I am also interested to examine the concept’s potential practical value for a range of organizations. (See sources below)

What skills or experience helped you compete with over 140 applicants?

I’d like to refer this question to the selection committee. It certainly helps to make a great overall impression and clearly define your professional goals. Also, I am convinced it helped that I made it onto the Dean’s List in Winter Semester 2023/24 and that I am a welcome buddy for international students. Every student has special interests and abilities and pursuing these passions increases your chances of becoming a WiWi talent.

What challenges did you have to overcome as a student and how did you do this?

Picking a degree program was a big challenge. My parents supported my wishes and goals but emphasized that they could not help me with business mathematics or statistics in order to achieve good results. I could not rely on economics specialists in my family, but had to acquire the knowledge myself through hard work. My learning groups with fellow students helped me a lot. My Greek grandfather came to Germany as a guest worker with 2 suitcases, so my chances of earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree seemed rather slim. It took a lot of willpower, all-nighters, and a positive and supportive environment, for which I am very grateful.

What advice would you give to other students who are considering to apply to the WiWi-Talents program?

Apply! Especially, students aiming to take on specialist or leadership positions in the field after their graduation. Students should not miss the opportunity to make their profile available to a large number of recruiters from various sectors—it’s a great chance. Carve your own path! Stop comparing yourself with others, focus on your own goals and wishes instead. Never forget: It is a privilege to study almost for free.

What role did the support and environment at the University of Hamburg Business School play in your academic and professional development?

Personally, I have only had positive experiences at the Business School so far. My fellow students are all very motivated and we try to support each other, for example by sharing summaries and learning materials, or by keeping each other posted about interesting events at the University.

I can only say good things about the committed Business School staff and professors. I think they all make an effort offer us students a wealth of interesting, interdisciplinary courses. Professor Dr. Clement, for instance, exemplifies this commitment: I had a chance to attend his new lecture Foundation Management, which offered exclusive insights into the German foundation landscape, and a CV workshop he offered. Being introduced via the Dean’s List or doing a semester abroad can be beneficial to your academic career and later in your profession.

Conclusion: Is there anything that particularly inspires or motivates you to continue pursuing your goals?

I am inspired by the courage and strength of other women. For instance, role models like Manuela Rousseau, who give something back to society through their commitment, or the women in my immediate environment who do their best every day in a broad range of activities. I am driven by the goal to reach a position that enables me to promote equity in education.

Thank you for the interview, Melina Savvidou—we wish you great success on the path to your goal!

Sources: Can you provide us with a glimpse of your master’s thesis? What is it about and what fascinates you in particular about this topic?":

Edmondson, A. (1999): Psychological Safety and Learning Behavior in Work Teams. In: Administrative Science Quarterly, 44(2), pp. 350-383. DOI: 10.2307, no.1 (2666999).

Edmondson, A. (2019): The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Carmeli, A.; Reiter-Palmon, R.; and Ziv, E. (2010): Inclusive Leadership and Employee Involvement in Creative Tasks in the Workplace: The Mediating Role of Psychological Safety. In: Creativity Research Journal, 22, pp. 250-260. DOI: 10.1080–10400419.2010 504654.