Clara Giménez Delgado and Sandy Wang, ICA New Professionals Programme (NPP) cohort of 2025/2026, turned to Maria Papanikolau, current Head of Acquisitions and Holdings at NATO Archives for answers to some of the oft-asked questions from new professionals. Maria, NPP cohort of 2019, has kindly shared some insight into these questions and gave some career advice. If you have any questions that you would like to ask an expert, stay tuned for our future call for contributions!
What was your first job in archives or records management, and how did it shape your career?
My first job in the archives was as Assistant University Archivist for Records Management at the American University in Cairo (AUC), Egypt. This role shaped my career by immersing me in both archives and records management within a dynamic international environment. Working in a multicultural setting nurtured my empathy, cultural sensitivity, and deep respect for diverse perspectives. I was also fortunate to encounter inspiring leadership that still influences me today. I realised the importance of collaboration, communication, and relationship-building as central to archival success. The position also taught me the value of persistence, and the patience needed for long-term goals. Overall, it laid the groundwork for my dedication to professional integrity, cross-cultural collaboration and respectful, human-centred relations in international archival settings.
If you could go back in time to when you were starting out as an archivist, what advice would you give to yourself?
I would advise myself to be patient, resilient and to trust my abilities, grounded in a clear awareness of my skills. Archival work takes time to master, and growth often comes through challenges. I would encourage confidence in my skills and voice — every contribution matters, even early on. I would emphasise adaptability and continuous learning, especially as technology and best practices evolve. Building relationships with archival colleagues worldwide is highly important; networking through professional associations like the ICA provides a vital path for international professional commitment. Despite difficulties, never give up and trust yourself after reflecting on your strengths and growth.
What are the most valuable skills for advancing in this field moving forward (it can be technical, soft skills, etc)?
As archivists, we need strong technical skills, including a solid understanding of international standards for archival description, preservation, metadata schemas and project management. In today’s digital era, practical digital archiving skills are essential. With AI becoming more integrated into archival work, it is important to remain vigilant, ethically grounded and adaptable. Equally important are soft skills: being interactive, open, and outward-facing helps archivists build genuine relationships and trust with stakeholders and users. At the same time, maintaining professional integrity and reliability is key to success and long-term growth in our profession.
Are there any education paths, certifications or training programs that you would recommend for early-career archivists or records managers?
A trained archivist today typically holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree (or both) in archives and records management. Additional certifications and training depend on the chosen career path. The ICA and other professional associations — such as the Society of American Archivists (SAA), ARMA International, AIIM, RIMPA (Australia), and the Northeast Document Conservation Centre (NEDCC) — offer certifications and continuing education opportunities. These recommended resources help early-career archivists develop specialised skills and select programmes that align with their professional goals and interests.
Maria Papanikolaou holds a Master’s Degree in Archives/Archival Administration from Leiden University. She has over eight years of experience working in international organisations and currently works as the Head of Acquisitions and Holdings Management Unit at NATO Archives in Belgium. She is an alumna of the International Council on Archives (ICA) New Professionals Programme cohort of 2019. Currently, she acts as the Liaison for new professionals in the ICA Programme Commission (PCOM).
