"Sometimes it's an unexpected decision that brings the greatest success"

You have moved from a successful international career to university teaching. What was the reason behind your decision?

My story is indeed varied and perhaps I am lucky because I have been able to work in different fields. I studied law 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 important steps in my career was when I applied for a project management position at the company's headquarters in Germany. It was a big challenge as it meant moving abroad for three years, but I felt that it was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I got the job and spent almost three years in Germany. I eventually returned home for family reasons, which was also the reason for 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 cultural diversity because everyone brought their own background and working culture, and we could learn from each other. It gave me a huge opportunity for professional and personal development. Of course, it wasn't easy at first. 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. It also helped me to find my place in the professional world and to realise that I could work in a global business environment.

What was the working language? Did you have to speak German?

Even though I was living in Germany and needed some German language skills for everyday life, we communicated exclusively in English at work. My colleagues all came from different countries, so English was our common language. I started learning English in school, but it was not until I started working that I really improved my skills. I continued to learn English throughout my time at university, and when I started working I was involved in more and more international projects where I had to use it 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 conversation but also in business negotiations.

What motivated you to move back to Hungary?

My main motivation for returning 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 to 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 you open up to the academic world?

At first, my life at home was completely focused on my family, but after a while, I felt that 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 an academic career and later, when my youngest child was older, I started teaching. At first it was just a few hours a week teaching business law to foreign students in English, but I soon realised how much I loved teaching. When I finished my PhD, I saw that ELTE was looking for a lecturer for the Business Law Department. The deadline for applications was the same day I defended my thesis and I thought why not give it a try. I applied and was delighted to be 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. It opened up a new chapter in my life that was a perfect fit with my previous experience, but also brought new challenges.

You teach a lot of classes, also in English, and have many students with projects and theses. What do you like to do when you're not working - how do you spend your free time?

Mainly folk dancing. I've been dancing since I was a child and it's not just a hobby, it's a complete form of recreation. Folk dancing helps me to enter a completely different environment and get away from everyday life. When I lived abroad, I was able to join Hungarian folk dance groups, which was important not only for the exercise, but also because it helped me make friends and integrate into a foreign country. Exercise in general also plays an important role in my life. My family and I go cycling and walking regularly and we try to get our children active. I also do jogging and yoga because it helps me to release tension and recharge my batteries. I think everyone should find the activity that works best for them to deal with stress. Whether it's exercise or a creative hobby, it's important to have something that helps you get out of your daily routine.

Your talk focused on career opportunities in international business. What do you think is the biggest challenge young people face starting 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 was time to start a family, I felt 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. For me, success does not necessarily mean getting to the top. I think a successful career is one where you find your own path and a place where you enjoy working. You can also be successful if you are not in a managerial position, but in a field where you feel comfortable and fulfilled. In today's world, there is enormous pressure to get as far and as fast as possible in your career, without neglecting your personal life. 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 to manage their time, prioritise their tasks and not try to do everything at once. Patience and flexibility are key and I always tell 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 women who are just starting to plan their careers 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 for success. Learning languages is important. I think it is now essential to speak several languages. One language is not enough. If I had to start all over 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 the opportunity to study abroad during their time at university, as it can bring not only professional but also personal development. Spending a semester or a year abroad not only improves your language skills, but also helps you become more open to other cultures and ways of working. One last 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.