From Budapest to Sydney: The Impact of ELTE GTK on My Graduate Journey

2024.09.30.
From Budapest to Sydney: The Impact of ELTE GTK on My Graduate Journey
Here is the story of Yang Yuyun, a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holder between 2020-2024 who graduated in International Business Economics and is now pursuing her dreams to become a finance expert “down under”. 

First and foremost, I am deeply grateful to ELTE GTK for giving me this opportunity to share my experiences after graduating from the International Business Economics Degree program. However, my gratitude towards ELTE GTK extends far beyond that.

During my four years at ELTE GTK, I experienced significant growth in academic maturity, intellectual depth, and my ability to understand complex concepts. The rigorous curriculum and frequent exams — including midterms, comprehensive exams, and final exams, etc. — were essential in building a solid foundation of knowledge. This preparation has been invaluable in my current finance studies at UNSW, where I find the coursework challenging but manageable, thanks to my undergraduate training.

While the workload and intensity of assignments and exams at the graduate level far exceed those of my undergraduate studies, the time management skills and resilience I developed at ELTE GTK have equipped me to handle these challenges effectively. The patience and perseverance I gained during those formative years have been crucial to my success.

In addition to academic skills, I am particularly grateful for the personal abilities I developed at ELTE GTK, which include cultural awareness, adaptability, emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills. Since beginning my master's program at the UNSW in Australia, I have faced not only a new academic system but also a new cultural environment. These skills have been critical in navigating both the academic demands and personal challenges of this experience. The adaptability I gained at ELTE GTK has allowed me to swiftly meet academic expectations and adjust to my new environment in this highly competitive program.

A key project I have worked on at UNSW involved financial modelling, which required both a deep understanding of finance and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems. The balanced focus on theory and application at ELTE GTK was instrumental in my study. This project, which involved analyzing real-world financial data and building a predictive model to assess market trends, highlighted the importance of the analytical skills I honed during my undergraduate years.

In addition to academic work, I have also participated in a group initiative on sustainable finance, exploring how financial markets can support environmental sustainability. Working with students from diverse backgrounds reminded me of the importance of teamwork, a skill I developed at ELTE GTK, where collaboration was highly encouraged. My ability to manage responsibilities, work within teams, and meet tight deadlines has been crucial in this international setting.

One aspect of my studies in Australia that I find particularly rewarding is the practical approach to learning. Many assignments revolve around case studies, industry analysis, and solving real-world problems. The critical thinking skills I developed at ELTE GTK have allowed me to approach these tasks with a balanced perspective, considering both theoretical frameworks and practical implications.

The time management skills I developed at ELTE GTK have made it easier for me to balance the demands of my master's program with extracurricular activities like attending finance seminars and networking events. This balance has allowed me to grow both academically and personally.

In conclusion, my time at ELTE GTK provided the foundation for my academic success and personal growth. The skills I gained, from time management to analytical thinking, have not only helped me navigate the challenges of a demanding graduate program but also enhanced my experience of studying abroad. I am excited for the future and eager to apply these skills in the next stages of my professional journey.