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Eleni -EMEA Partnerships at Coursera

July 10, 2025
By
Team Tangent

Our Changemakers are Mentors who are supporting the next generation to access opportunities in tech. They make an outsized impact on the lives of our jobseekers through providing career support and short-term mentoring.

Learn why they became a Tangent Mentor 👇

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you're up to now

Hi! I’m half Greek, half German, and I’m currently approaching my one-year anniversary at Coursera. I work in an inbound-focused role, managing partnerships across the EMEA region. It’s been an exciting journey helping institutions discover how Coursera can support their learning and development goals.

Outside of work, I’m really passionate about fitness—especially Reformer Pilates and Barre classes, which are my weekend go-to. I also love reading, particularly self-help books that focus on personal growth and mindset.

What was your journey into a career in Tech Sales

My journey into tech sales wasn’t exactly planned, but it turned out to be a great fit.

Before getting into tech, I was working at Bloomberg and had several part-time retail sales assistant roles while studying at university. These early experiences helped me build a strong foundation in customer interaction and communication.

I got recruited into my first sales role covering the DACH region, which was my official entry into tech sales. Not long after, I was promoted to a Senior SDR role. At the time, I didn’t know much about the industry, but I saw it as a learning opportunity—and it really paid off.

Now, I’ve pivoted into EdTech, which I’m genuinely passionate about. Working at Coursera allows me to see the real-world impact of what we do, especially across the EMEA region. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of something that drives access to education and lifelong learning.

What would you say are the best things about working in Tech Sales

One of the best things about working in Tech Sales is how many transferable skills you gain. You’re constantly developing core strengths like customer-facing communication, active listening, and confidence—skills that are valuable in any career path. What’s great is that these don’t just stay in your job; they help in interviews, networking, public speaking, and even everyday life.

For me, what I love most is the earning potential. Sales gives you a real opportunity to take control of your income and work toward personal goals. Right now, I’m saving to buy my first place, and this career path is helping make that a reality. It’s not just about hitting targets—it's about building the life you want through your work.

In the long term, Tech Sales also opens doors into areas like customer success, partnerships, or even leadership roles. No matter where I go next, the foundation I’m building now is something I’ll carry with me.

What advice would you give to someone who is just about to start their career in sales

If you’re just starting out in sales, my biggest advice is to be proactive and stay curious. There are so many free resources out there—use them! When I was getting started, I watched Salesfeed videos daily just to get familiar with sales terminology and techniques. Platforms like Coursera also offer amazing courses where you can learn practical tools you'll use in your day-to-day role.

Another big one: your network is your net worth—and as cliché as it sounds, it's true. I landed my first internship with Vestpod because I attended a networking event and connected with Emilie. We clicked, and the very next day I started. So don’t underestimate the power of putting yourself out there.

Finally, don’t give up. Sales can be tough, especially early on, but try to see each day as a fresh start. The right opportunity will come your way, and when it does, you’ll look back and be proud of how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown.

Why did you decide to join Tangent as a Mentor and why should others join as Mentors too

I decided to join Tangent as a Mentor because I wanted to give back—especially knowing how tough the job search can be.

I graduated from the University of Greenwich during the pandemic, which made finding work even more challenging. I remember how isolating that time felt, and how impactful even a short conversation with someone supportive could be. That’s what drives me now—to be the person I wish I had during that period.

Tangent offers a great way to make a real difference in someone’s journey in a short and meaningful way. A quick call or bit of advice can completely shift someone’s perspective and give them the confidence they need to keep going.

I’d encourage others to join too— not only is it incredibly rewarding, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to build your leadership and coaching skills, enhance your CV with real mentorship experience, and connect with driven individuals who are early in their careers. Plus, it's a reminder of how far you’ve come and the power of paying it forward.

Ready to make a difference?


A few hours a month, a lifetime of impact. Tangent connects you with aspiring Business Development Reps from socially diverse backgrounds for short-term mentoring and an employee referral.

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