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Many universities claim to give students the knowledge and skills they need for their future careers, but only a few institutions can deliver on this promise. You won’t find this mismatch at the University of Szeged.
Located in southern Hungary, the university is one of the finest in the country, boasting an EU accreditation and top rankings. Its Faculty of Economics and Business Administration is a platform for success, preparing future leaders in Economics, Tourism and Catering, as well as Business Administration and Management through internship opportunities, career services, and a sprawling network of graduates and professionals.
Third-year Tourism and Catering (BSc) student Dália Mahmoud found an internship opportunity as early as her second semester in the programme. The general manager of Novotel Hotel Szeged was presenting a lecture during the “Basics of the Hotel Business” course and had offered the class summer openings. “Since then, I have worked there for two summers, and when I asked, they offered me to complete my internship there as well,” says Mahmoud.
Dália Mahmoud’s internship opportunity was presented to her by a lecturer who happened to be the general manager of Novotel Hotel Szeged. Source: University of Szeged
Despite only working there for brief stints, Mahmoud’s work as a receptionist has been eye-opening. Aside from learning more about customer service, she’s also learnt about things that would be “almost impossible to teach in school,” such as handling a property management system and understanding the operations behind online travel agencies.
It goes beyond technical skills too. “It has also improved my soft skills, like communication and conflict management, as well as my language skills because there is a high portion of German-speaking guests in the summer period, and my second language is German, so it gave me the opportunity to practice it,” says Mahmoud.
Like the “Basics of the Hotel Business” course, many other courses in the programme, such as “Catering Studies” and “Medical Hotel Management,” are taught by experienced professionals in the industry. This allows students to gain insights into the field that could be crucial when entering the job market. Having industry professionals working with the university means students have a chance to go on field trips to experience destination management and development work first-hand.
“The faculty members are incredibly supportive and accessible, always ready to assist students,” says Ahmed Al-Gaberi from Yemen, a BSc in Business Administration and Management graduate. “For example, my thesis supervisor, Dr. Ábel Garamhegyi, helped me craft a professional CV, significantly enhancing my job applications. This unwavering support, combined with a comprehensive and practical curriculum, ensured that I was well-prepared and competitive in the job market.”
Thanks to the solid theoretical and practical knowledge he gained during his years at the University of Szeged, Al-Gaber was able to secure a job at ExxonMobil two months before graduation. “This early employment opportunity is a testament to the high-quality education and practical skills imparted by the University of Szeged, making its graduates highly sought after in the job market,” he says.
Graduate Ahmed Al-Gaberi from Yemen thanked the faculty for giving him a solid foundation and strong interpersonal skills. Source: University of Szeged
Beyond having opportunities presented by lecturers and industry professionals, students can visit the faculty’s Career Office for additional guidance and support. Whether it’s enquiring about open positions, participating in programmes that help with career decisions, or getting updates about the ongoings in the job market, students have access to all of that and more. Graduates can even join counselling sessions where they can get help with a job application or go through mock interviews for upcoming opportunities.
The Alma Mater Alumni Mentoring Programme (AMP) is another platform that students can take advantage of. Here, the university’s thousands-strong graduate community steps up to support current students in their professional development. This flexible, informal relationship not only benefits those preparing for their future careers but also further strengthens the connection that students and graduates have with the school.
Online resources are just as plenty. There’s Highered, where a range of jobs and career development opportunities from leading global organisations are posted; Coursera for the University of Szegedis free of charge, allowing students to boost their skills with professional certificates accredited by international multinational companies like IBM and Google. There’s even a new specially developed quadruple English-language Coursera package available as electives from autumn 2024, covering job market preparation, effective workplace communication, and more.
“I can say with full confidence that all the academic studies and services provided to me have helped build up my professional life,” says Bethel Ekoh, a second-year student from Nigeria.
Better yet, starting in 2024, even university applicants can benefit from the Coursera packages. From study skills and English proficiency to business essentials and other STEM courses, there are many ways to enhance your skillset before joining the University of Szeged.
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