„As a team we can experience success, alone we only get failure”

– As a lecturer whose current work and career can serve as an example for those interested in business and finance and for students who want to build a career in this field, you are an excellent role model. How did you get there? Did you follow a direct route from mathematics at Berzsenyi High School to “Közgáz”, the University of Economics of Budapest through your internships at foreign universities and in various business sectors to your current role, or did you have to change direction along the way?

If we go back to when I left school, I would say it was a straightforward career path, because at that time I wanted to go to university to study economics and then work in a bank, which I did. When I reflect on my own career trajectory, it appears to be a relatively straightforward path. However, I believe it is beneficial to consider a wider range of options at the outset of one's career, as it is not always clear that one's first role will align perfectly with one's long-term goals. At this stage in one's life, it is relatively easy to explore different opportunities without significant risk. While an industry may initially appear appealing, it is possible that it may not align with one's long-term career goals. Conversely, an industry may initially seem unsuitable, but could potentially offer a fulfilling and rewarding career. Internships can be an invaluable opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of one's interests and abilities, and to explore various career options.

– Please describe your career choices at the outset of your professional life. Did you have a natural inclination towards business?

I believe the outcome was more favourable than anticipated. Chemistry was one of my favourite subjects at school, and I performed well in prestigious chemistry competitions. I considered pursuing a career as a chemist, but ultimately decided that it was not the right fit for me. However, I was not deterred. I was also highly interested in mathematics and participated in international competitions. I was particularly interested in history. Upon seeing the admission notice for Budapest “Közgáz”, which required knowledge of mathematics and history, I felt that this course was a perfect fit for me. Furthermore, my parents were economists, so I was familiar with the environment they were in, which may have been a factor. However, it was a more complex question. When choosing a career, it is crucial to select a profession that aligns with your interests and strengths. After all, you will be dedicating a significant portion of your life to this role. I am frequently asked by colleagues how they can emulate the success of a special someone in a particular field. My advice is to focus on your strengths, develop your skills, and leverage your strengths to achieve success.

– You undertook your studies in Germany, the United States and at one of the world's leading business MBA schools in Singapore. Could you please outline your views on the role of language skills in building a professional career and the added value that these elite schools have brought to you?

A strong command of the English language is an essential skill for anyone pursuing a career in business. Despite my fundamental lack of proficiency in languages, I have invested significant time and effort in improving my skills. For instance, English is a prerequisite for any industry, as it offers a wealth of information in the language. I also learned German, which proved challenging, but in Hungary, German is a highly sought-after skill due to the prevalence of German and Austrian companies in Hungary. Language skills are invaluable, as they facilitate the comprehension of foreign content, partners and suppliers more rapidly. And speed pays off, as in today's business world speed has a monetary value.

Regarding my university studies, I found the practice-oriented approach to teaching to be highly advantageous. For instance, we regularly analysed the latest Wall Street Journal articles with the macroeconomics professor. From my time as a student in Germany, I would highlight the tax law courses, which included a number of case studies. These were a great help in understanding this type of content, and I have been able to apply this knowledge effectively ever since. Furthermore, the global network of contacts with professors and students at INSEAD proved to be a significant advantage. In such an international environment, it is possible to gain a much better understanding of the opportunities available. It's akin to chess: you're a skilled chess player because you're able to identify patterns. If you always played chess with the same partner, there would be fewer patterns and moves to learn. 

– Please outline the skills and competencies you believe are essential for success in this field.

I believe that two key skills are currently highly sought after: the ability to learn and the ability to work collaboratively. For instance, the ELTE GTK provides a solid foundation. In the next 20 years, the landscape will undoubtedly evolve, necessitating the capacity to adapt and learn. Collaboration is the key to effective teamwork. It is important for professionals to fit into their organisations, as it enables them to share their knowledge and contribute to the success of others. At OTP, I typically seek individuals who possess these two qualities, as they are indicative of a high probability of success within the team. Teamwork is essential for achieving collective success, while individual efforts are often less fruitful.

– What distinguishes a good leader in business from a good leader in banking? Is it even beneficial to differentiate between the two?

I believe this is incorrect. Individuals with similar profiles are successful in both banking and business in general. In addition to the aforementioned factors, effective leaders must also possess excellent communication skills. It is not always straightforward to convey our messages effectively. Without proper communication, it is possible for individuals to misunderstand or not understand what we are saying, which can lead to issues. It is essential to implement effective communication processes between teams within the company, employees and customers. Leadership skills also encompass an implementation approach, which is how we achieve our goals. This necessitates a logical and structured approach to problem-solving, enabling us to identify the goal and devise a plan of action to achieve it.

– What advice would you give to fellow students currently studying a Bachelor's degree in finance and accounting? Is it worthwhile to continue their studies in a Master's degree and return to university with a few years of work experience behind them to get an MBA?

I would also highly recommend a Master's degree, as it equips you to also acquire information quickly in a fast-changing world. A Master's degree provides a valuable perspective that is highly advantageous in today's fast-paced business environment. Various labour market surveys have shown that individuals with higher education levels are more adaptable in the workplace. Additionally, the MBA is a valuable qualification to have, as it provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in the field. This then allows us to appreciate the importance of the knowledge we are acquiring and to become much more interested in it because we see that we really need it. I would therefore recommend the Master's and the MBA, as this approach has proved successful for me.

Photos by Péter Horváth