"Sometimes it's an unexpected decision that brings the greatest success"
You have moved from a successful international career to university teaching. What was behind your decision?
My story is indeed diverse, and perhaps I am lucky because I have been able to work in different fields. I graduated as a lawyer and my first job was at the headquarters of an international insurance company in Hungary. At first I was more involved in domestic cases, but as I gained more experience I became more open to international projects. It was not an easy transition, but I felt that the move to global affairs opened up huge opportunities for me. At first, I only worked on small international projects, but gradually I was given more and more serious assignments. One of the most significant steps in my career was when I applied for a project manager position at the company's headquarters in Germany. It was a big challenge, as it meant moving abroad for three years, but I felt it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I managed to win the application and spent nearly three years in Germany. I ended up returning home for family reasons, which was also the reason behind my move from business to academia.
What was it like working in Germany?
Our office there was incredibly diverse: thirteen of us working together from ten different countries on three continents. I loved this kind of cultural diversity because everyone brought their own background, their own working culture and we could learn from each other. It gave me a huge professional and personal development opportunity. Of course, it wasn't easy at the beginning. Going abroad alone in my twenties, without family and friends, was definitely a challenge. I felt a bit lost in the first few months, but fortunately the international environment and the fact that all my colleagues were in a similar situation made it easier to adapt. This period also helped me to find my place in the professional world and to realise that I could also cope in a global business environment.
What was the working language? Did you need to speak German?
Even though I lived in Germany and needed some German language skills for everyday life, we communicated exclusively in English at work. My colleagues were all from different countries, so English was our common language. I started to develop my English skills at school, but it was only during my work that I really developed them. I continued to train throughout my university years and when I started working, I was involved in more and more international projects where I had to use English every day. In Germany, the company provided me with an English teacher who helped me to refine my professional language skills. As a result, I became more and more confident in using English not only in everyday conversations, but also in business negotiations.
What motivated you to return to Hungary?
My main motivation for returning home was to start a family. My husband and I decided that we wanted to raise our children in Hungary, in a big family environment. It was very important for us that our children grow up close to grandparents, cousins and relatives, because that's how we grew up and we got a lot from that community. Although my international career was very important to me and I wanted to pursue it, I felt that my family was my priority at this stage of my life.
And how did the opening to the academic world come about?
At first, my life at home was completely focused on family, but after a while I felt I wanted an intellectual challenge. That's when a former classmate of mine approached me about doing a PhD. The kids were a bit older at the time, so I started doing some academic work. That was the first step towards a career in science and later, when my youngest child was older, I started teaching. At first, I only taught business law to foreign students in English for a few hours a week, but I soon realised how much I loved teaching. When I finished my PhD, I saw that they were looking for a lecturer for the business law department at ELTE. The deadline for applications was the same day I was defending my PhD dissertation and I thought why not give it a try. I applied and to my great delight I was accepted. I was very happy because it gave me a career opportunity that allowed me to use my professional skills while spending more time with my family. This opened a new chapter in my life, which fitted in perfectly with my previous experience, but also brought new challenges.
You teach a lot of classes, also in English, has many students with projects and thesis. What do you like to do when you're not working - what is your leisure time?
Mainly folk dancing. I've been dancing since I was a kid and it's not just a hobby, it's a complete form of recreation. Folk dance helps me to get into a completely different environment and get away from everyday life. When I was living abroad, I managed to join Hungarian folk dance groups there, and it was important not only for the exercise, but also because it helped me to make friends and to integrate in a foreign country. Movement in general also plays an important role in my life. My family and I cycle and hike regularly, and we try to get our children active. I also do running and yoga, because these forms of exercise help to relieve tension and recharge my batteries. I think that everyone should find the activity that works best for them to manage stress. Whether it's exercise or a creative hobby, it's important to have something that helps you get out of your daily routine.
In her presentation, she looked at career opportunities in international business. What do you think is the biggest challenge facing young people starting out in their careers today?
The biggest challenge I see is that young people have to find a balance between career development and personal life. When I was working in insurance, I loved my job, but when it came time to start a family, I felt that I couldn't do it with the same intensity as before. That's why I decided to change and go into academia. Not everyone has to make this choice, as many women are able to successfully balance family and career. In my eyes, success does not necessarily mean getting to the top. I think a successful career is one where you find your own way and where you are happy to work. It can also be successful if you are not in a managerial position, but working in a field where you feel comfortable and where you are fully fulfilled. In today's world, there is enormous pressure to get as far and as fast as possible in their careers, but at the same time their personal life cannot be left behind. In the business world, competition is particularly fierce and the international working environment is increasingly common, placing even higher expectations on students. It is therefore important that they learn how to manage their time, prioritise their tasks and not try to achieve everything at once. Patience and flexibility are key, and I always advise them not to be afraid to take risks and try new things.
As a successful woman, what would be the most important piece of advice you would give to girls who are just starting to plan their career in the business world?
Never stop learning. The business world is constantly changing and there will always be new challenges to adapt to. Learning new skills, continuous self-development and flexibility are essential to be successful. Language learning is essential. I think it is now essential to speak several languages. One language is simply not enough. If I were starting again, I would invest even more time and energy in learning a second or third language. That is why it is important that as many people as possible take advantage of study abroad opportunities during their university years, as they can bring not only professional but also personal development. A semester or a year abroad not only improves their language skills, but also helps them to become more open to other cultures and ways of working. And perhaps one more thing: don't be afraid to try new things and take risks. We never know what will really inspire us, and sometimes it's an unexpected decision that brings the greatest success.