»I bring that same show-up-every-day mentality to the office. Just without the cap and goggles«
From the water polo goalpost to software development
»I bring that same show-up-every-day mentality to the office. Just without the cap and goggles«
To Elpida Syka-Lerioti, success has never been a solo sport. From growing up in a big Greek family to guarding the net in top-level water polo, teamwork has shaped her journey every step of the way. Now a Junior Software Engineer at Netcompany in Thessaloniki, she channels that same spirit into developing meaningful IT solutions that make a difference in society.
Growing up as one of seven children on the Greek island of Chios, Elpida learned early that success isn’t a solo sport. »From a young age, I discovered how beautiful and unique it is to operate within a group,« she reflects. »Sharing, cooperating, and supporting each other weren’t just family values. They became the foundation of my personality.«
When she moved to Thessaloniki to study Computer Science at Aristotle University, she joined the PAOK team as a water polo goalkeeper, continuing her passion for competitive sports.
Juggling double training sessions with university lectures wasn’t easy, but her sister’s example of studying and thriving in the Netherlands gave her the push she needed. »Watching her chase her dreams made me realise I needed to focus on my studies too, not just on winning pool battles,« she laughs.
In 2021, Elpida moved to Utrecht to complete her degree, an experience that opened her eyes to the world of IT. »It felt like opening a door to the future,« she recalls. Ultimately, she returned to Greece, graduated, and felt ready to start »adulting,« as she puts it.
Elpida’s journey took a new direction at a career event where she met representatives from Netcompany’s Thessaloniki office. »From our very first conversation, I felt a genuine sense of connection – it immediately made me think, ‘I want to be part of this company,« she recalls. It wasn’t just the technical opportunities but the genuine connection with people that made a difference.
When she applied, the interviewers saw potential in her and directed her toward a role better suited to her strengths. »That was a key moment when I truly felt valued and supported,« she says.
From pool to code
A year and a half into her journey at Netcompany, Elpida has found that the same determined mindset and strategic thinking she developed as a water polo athlete translate remarkably well to software development. »When positioned between the posts, you learn to hold the line and stay steady for your team, no matter what’s coming at you,« she explains. »I bring that same show-up-every-day mentality to the office. Just without the cap and goggles«
Now working on critical public sector projects focused on improving the lives of millions of citizens, areas that have always fascinated her, Elpida finds deep purpose in her daily work. Drawing on her expertise in SQL, Java, C++, C, Python, and web technologies like HTML, she supports data and database migration processes, contributing to projects involving transforming and transferring data between systems. »What really won me over was the trust the team placed in me from day one,« she shares. »They invested time in my onboarding, gave me the space to learn, and encouraged me to work independently and take ownership of tasks early on.«
»When positioned between the posts, you learn to hold the line and stay steady for your team, no matter what's coming to you. I bring that same show-up-every-day mentality to the office. Just without the cap and goggles«
More than a desk and a to-do list
The support from her team allowed Elpida to thrive in ways she hadn’t anticipated, quickly becoming a valuable member. Her approach to balancing dual commitments carries over into her professional life. »Prioritising what matters most and structuring my day ensures that both careers get the attention they need,« she explains.
»I wasn’t just given a desk and a to-do list. I was given the opportunity to grow«
Her team leader and colleagues have been more than just supervisors. They’ve been mentors, collaborative partners, and sources of constant encouragement. »Whether it’s technical skills, communication, or mindset, I’ve learned a lot simply by working alongside them,« she reflects.
