Introduction
My name is Csaba Sz., I come from Romania, from Odorheiu Secuiesc, the heart of Transylvania, where I finished my schooling. I did my bachelor's degree in two languages at the Sapienta EMTE in Cluj-Napoca, and my master's degree at the Babes-Bólya University in Cluj-Napoca. After that I worked as a legal adviser for two years.
I was informed about the CEA UM programme by a professor I had met during my undergraduate studies, who encouraged me to apply. As a result of this encouragement and my interest in academic research, there was no doubt that I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity.
How was the application process?
Eventful, perhaps I could define it that way. In March I received an email that there was a PhD program, which is a very good opportunity. After maybe a 10-15 minute conversation, I was looking for my potential research topic. As labour law was the most interesting branch of law for me during my studies so far, and this was the basis of my later practice, I was looking into this area. In consultation with the Professor of Labour Law, who had made me fell in love with the world of labour law, I decided to focus on innovation, and so I chose the topic of Platform work. To make it innovative, the social security dimension became an integral part of my research. After that, the Professor who presented the program helped me to find a supervisor and then came the concrete application and admission process, so before I realized it, I was already in Budapest talking to the leaders of the research institute during the admission process. Everything went smoothly and, as I am writing this report, not least successfully.
How did the move go?
As I was trying to keep my practice until the last minute, I managed to move to Budapest a few days before the program started. Although the Hungarian language was not a problem for me, as I am a native Hungarian speaker, it was still exciting to move to another country. If I can give a piece of advice to the next generation of juniors, I would suggest that they should start their search for a flat early, although there are plenty of sites to search on, it is better not to leave the apartment search to the last minute.
Where do you see yourself in a few years, and how does the CEA UM help you on that path?
Given my current lifestyle: everywhere. Fortunately, labour law is as much a theoretical as a practical branch of law. As I am currently back in practice and putting into practice the theoretical knowledge I have acquired, I try to balance the two dimensions. I would like to be part of the academic world after my doctoral studies and I would like this knowledge to materialize, as theory and practice are essential for understanding labour law. I am also very interested in the legislative process and I would like to use my knowledge to help with labour law legislation making if I have the opportunity. This is a complex vision, but I believe it is feasible with the right workload.
Was there anything you worried about before you came?
As I was starting a new phase of my life in a new country with new colleagues, this was probably the biggest question mark in the first period. Like many others, I was afraid of the "new". It didn't take me long to realize that my concerns were unfounded and to find my place in the new environment went smoothly.
What is everyday life like at the academy?
Days at the academy are never the same. There are some days when we have more commitments, such as exams, conferences, VIP lectures or supervisors’ lectures and there are some days when our schedule is more flexible. During those days we can be more dedicated to our research.
How much does the CEA UM support you professionally?
In addition to using articles available online and published by CEA UM, I also visited the Library of the Hungarian Parliament. Moreover, during a study trip to The Hague, we had the opportunity to visit the Peace Palace Library, which was extremely useful for all of our research.
What other opportunities does CEA UM offer?
Within the framework of CEA UM, our professional advancement is supported through numerous events—such as conferences and workshops—as well as various programmes, including LL.M. programmes.
What is it like to live in Budapest?
As both a big city and a capital, there are plenty of opportunities for entertainment, recreation, research, and professional programs. Last but not least, as an important hub, it is easily accessible from many other European cities, as we travel to many conferences, so it is important to make this as easy as possible.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
At the moment I try to focus on the present and live in the present fully. Now I feel comfortable in my situation, so if I can, I would like to be able to stand my ground in the academy and in practice, and I would like to be able to stand my ground in Hungary as well as in Romania.
Who would you recommend the CEA UM programme to?
An ambitious, dynamic researcher, committed to all aspects of academic life. It's important that you can work as part of a team with colleagues as well as individually. You'll also need a good dose of courage, as you'll be starting a new life in Budapest, but I can personally say that it's worth it.
Isn’t it a disadvantage that the Academy is so young?
It is a matter of perception. The program has a lot of potential, with great professors, lawyers, and experts from many countries, so all the conditions are there for it to remain a reputable institution. In addition to all this, of course, I also have a responsibility, being one of the first generation, so I try to treat it as such.
What has been your best experience so far at the CEA UM?
It would be difficult to highlight just one moment; perhaps every small or major piece of positive feedback is a great experience, especially when well-known and respected figures in the field acknowledge my work so far. My colleagues also contribute greatly to how comfortable I feel at CEA UM, so the strong team is naturally an integral part of this as well.
What message do you have for future juniors?
Give yourself a chance and go for it.
Csaba (RO)
