Introduction
My name is Bojan Petrovski, and I come from North Macedonia. In my home country, I obtained a law degree and a Master’s degree in law, and later I earned an LL.M. degree in Human Rights and the Rule of Law at CEA UM. Pursuing a doctoral degree in law and building an academic career has been my professional dream since I began my bachelor’s studies, and this dream has been coming true since I started my PhD studies at the Deák Ferenc Doctoral School of Law and began my professional internship as a junior researcher at CEA UM.
How was the application process?
The application process went very smoothly. I received great support from my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Tanja Karakamisheva-Jovanovska, and the application process was also clearly explained on the websites of the Doctoral School and CEA UM. In addition, CEA UM was always ready to assist us throughout the application process.
How did the move go?
Moving abroad is not the easiest thing. Leaving your home, relatives, and friends is always emotional, but the opportunity offered by CEA UM made the move worthwhile. Personally, I really like Hungary and Budapest, and since I had already become familiar with the city during my LL.M. studies and had many friends here, the move was ultimately not that difficult.
Where do you see yourself in a few years, and how will CEA UM help you achieve this?
It is always difficult to answer questions about the future, as life is full of surprises. For now, however, I can say that I would like to focus as much as possible on building my academic career. Since CEA UM truly supports us and offers numerous opportunities for career development, I am confident that CEA UM will continue to provide many opportunities that will help us build better careers.
Was there anything you were worried about before you came here?
As I mentioned before, it is always difficult when you move abroad, and there are many things you may worry about. However, life at CEA UM and the daily activities made it easier for me to settle in, and from this perspective, even if I had concerns, they turned out to be unnecessary.
What is everyday life like at the academy?
At the academy, we often have important events, such as conferences and lectures. On the days we have such events, we are busy with the organization and the attendance. However, when we don’t have such events, we have time to focus on our personal obligations (writing articles, preparing for conferences, etc). Besides the professional obligations, hanging out with colleagues and spending time with them is also an important part of everyday life at the academy.
How much does CEA UM support students professionally?
The support provided by CEA UM is very significant and important. In addition to all the benefits offered to junior students, CEA UM frequently provides opportunities to participate in scientific activities, which is very important for us and for our academic careers.
How do you find time for research?
Since the time at the academy is well-organized, I have plenty of time to do my own research. I can do my research both from the office and from home, and I would say that there is enough time for that.
What is it like to live in Budapest?
Since I came to Budapest for the first time, which was a year and a half ago, I was immediately amazed by the beauty of the city. Before I had the chance to apply for the junior programme and be admitted, I had a strong wish to live in Budapest, for at least a part of my life. That wish came true, and I can say that life in Budapest is really nice, as it offers many opportunities: historical sites, nice bars and cafes, many young people, well-organized public transportation, affordable prices, etc.
How do you see the grant financially?
The grant that the Academy provides for us is really good, and it is sufficient to cover all the living expenses in Budapest. Even more than that, the grant secures a smooth life in Budapest and Hungary.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
It is really hard to answer this question; however, I would rather answer where I wish I would be at that time. I wish that I will have an academic position in 5-10 years, either as a senior researcher in some academy or institute, or as a professor at a university. I have a strong wish to return to my home country one day; however, I will decide that based on the opportunities I will have. If I decide to live abroad, Hungary or some other Central European country would be the best option. Besides the professional wishes, I would really love to have my own family during that period.
Who would you recommend the CEA UM Junior Programme to?
I would recommend the CEA UM Junior Programme to every young law graduate who wishes to pursue PhD studies and build a legal career, as well as to those who would like to engage in Central and Eastern European legal research. The CEA UM Junior Programme is one of the best and most prestigious programmes in the region, offering numerous opportunities for researchers. I would especially recommend it to outstanding students from my home country and from the region.
Is it a disadvantage that the Academy is still so young?
Since we are under the continuous guidance of our professors, I do not consider the Academy’s young age to be a disadvantage. On the contrary, I would say it is an advantage: we begin our careers under the leadership of CEA UM, as well as under the supervision of our superiors and professors, and in this way the Academy trains young researchers who represent the future of the legal academic life of the region.
What has been your best experience at CEA UM so far?
Over the past five months, I have had many great experiences at CEA UM. If I had to highlight one, it would be our trip to Warsaw, where, together with the other participants of the programme and under the guidance of our professors, we took part in an Oxford-style debate organised at the Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University. Together with my colleagues, we also delivered a presentation at a scientific conference held at the Polish Constitutional Tribunal. As a researcher in constitutional law, this was truly a great opportunity for me—one that was, of course, provided by CEA UM.
What message do you have for future juniors?
If you are hesitating to apply for the programme, don’t hesitate! If you are admitted, you will receive a truly great opportunity that will open many doors for your future career. The Junior Programme is one of the best opportunities for any young lawyer in the region. If you want to become a legal scholar, being admitted to the CEA UM Junior Programme is one of the best things that can happen to you.
Bojan(MK)
