Five internships in four years

When and why did you choose ELTE GTK?

Four years ago, I faced an important decision: where to pursue my Bachelor's studies. The competition was tough, as Hungary - especially Budapest - boasts many great universities. Being a person who values numbers and statistics, I conducted thorough research, and ELTE stood out as the best choice. As the largest public university in the country, ELTE was also the highest-ranking institution in Hungary. Furthermore, it had the largest number of international students and a diverse range of study programs. With its long history, high-quality teaching, and vibrant student life, ELTE offered an ideal academic environment. My programme, BA in International Business Economics, provided a well-balanced approach between technical knowledge and soft skills - both essential for professional success. Additionally, the university’s location, testimonials from other students, and countless development opportunities further confirmed my decision to study at ELTE GTK. 

How did you find your first internship?

At the end of my first semester, I decided to start looking for an internship. With little knowledge or experience, I put together a nearly empty resume and simply started applying. At that time, I mainly searched for opportunities on “LinkedIn's Jobs”. Finding a job or internship is never easy - it took me four months to secure my first position. My first steps into the corporate world began at Bosch, where I worked as an HR Trainee, handling both administrative and recruitment tasks. After a year, I wanted to explore a different role, so I transitioned into Project Management at Bosch, working on the development of airbag systems for various European car brands. 

So, you held two different positions within the same company.  What happened then? 

After gaining some experience in the automotive industry, I moved into telecommunications, joining Nokia as a Financial Project Analyst. There, I worked alongside other interns supporting full-time colleagues in finance and controlling. 

Telecommunications is a dynamic industry that a lot of students are hoping to explore. Did you stay with Nokia for a long time?  

No, not really. A turning point came when I attended a student event at BlackRock. Shortly after that, I received an invitation to an interview and was ultimately recruited as an Investment Product Strategist. In this role, I worked with the London office on UK-based funds. 

That sounds really exciting! And what are your plans now that you are graduating this summer? 

For my most recent position, I am excited to share that from April 2025 I will be joining one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, Sanofi, as a Controlling Operations and Supply Trainee. 

Congratulations! Can you tell us about how your studies at ELTE GTK have contributed to your success? 

ELTE has played a crucial role in shaping my career by providing a strong foundation for my further academic and professional development. I had the opportunity to practically apply the knowledge I acquired at ELTE. The university's up-to-date academic curriculum, combined with real-world case studies and project-based learning, equipped me with the ability to manage complex tasks, adapt to different work environments, and apply analytical thinking to professional settings. 

What advice would you give to those embarking on this journey? 

To conclude my story, I would like to share some advice based on my experience. Build a well-crafted, comprehensive CV. Invest in yourself - expand your knowledge, skills, and abilities beyond your studies. Start applying early and apply everywhere. Take the initiative. Be persistent and bold. Take step further. Stay ambitious and hungry for success. Step out of your comfort zone. Network and attend student events. Rejections will come - ignore them and keep going. Think outside the box and be creative. Stand out. Look for job opportunities on LinkedIn, through student agencies, and both in-person and remote channels. Prepare thoroughly for interviews and do your research. Be confident and believe in yourself. Stay open to learning and growth. Strive for continuous self-improvement. Make the most of every opportunity. 

This is a lot of very useful advice. How would you summarise your experience? 

It is not easy, especially at the beginning. The job market is ruthless. Ask yourself: what qualities do I have? What can I offer this company? And make them see it!