Strategy International (SI) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its first student placement in partnership with the Open University of Cyprus (OUC), carried out under the University’s Thematic Unit “Student Placement in the Business World” and coordinated with the guidance of the OUC Liaison Office.
From 2 March to 30 June 2026, Ms Maria Spyridonos, a postgraduate student in the OUC’s programme in Lifelong Learning and Continuing Education, undertook a placement within SI’s Business Development Department. Working under the joint guidance of supervisors, Ms Spyridonos supported outreach efforts for events and contributed to proposal and partnership documentation, stakeholder mapping, and research in support of SI’s professional training and policy-oriented activities.
“Maria’s placement is a strong example of how professionals from outside the traditional consulting or security sectors can bring real, transferable value to a think tank environment,” said a representative of Strategy International. “Her background as an experienced educator gave her a distinct set of strengths in communication, structured thinking, and stakeholder engagement, all of which translated directly into the work she carried out with our Business Development team.”
The placement forms part of a broader effort by Strategy International to build structured pathways between academic institutions and the professional training and policy consultancy sector, offering students the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a live, international working environment.
Following the successful completion of her placement, Ms Spyridonos will continue her association with Strategy International, taking on a role focused on research and the development of a new webinar initiative.
Strategy International encourages other organisations operating in research, consulting, and international affairs to consider similar partnerships with academic institutions as a means of strengthening the pipeline between education and professional practice.
