Born in Chania, Crete, Nicos Christodoulakis attended high school in Zografou, Athens.

During his studies, he actively participated in the resistance movement against the military dictatorship that culminated in the Athens Polytechnic uprising in November 1973.

In 1976, he testified at the Athens Martial Court against the junta leaders charged with the violent suppression of the Polytechnic occupation in 1973.

During 1974-1980, he worked as a consultant engineer in construction and manufacturing companies, and as adjunct professor in the Technological Institutions (TEI) in Kozani and Athens.

His political career began in 1993, when he became a Secretary General for Research and Technology for three years until 1996, when he was appointed as an Economic advisor to the Prime Minister.