Introduction
My name is Dr. Lilla Adél Lovász, and I am a 24-year-old PhD student at the University of Miskolc. In addition, I am a legal intern and a junior researcher at the Central European Academy of the University of Miskolc. I graduated from the University of Miskolc in 2025, where my deeper commitment to environmental law—particularly climate protection and the regulation of climate change—began. After obtaining my degree, I had very ambitious goals and was looking for the best opportunities to advance my career when I came across the CEA UM Junior Programme, and that is where this exciting journey began.
How was the application process?
The application process was very simple and straightforward. All the necessary information was available and clearly explained on the CEA UM website. The process was not overly complicated and did not take much time. The deadlines were very precise, and the management team overseeing the process was very helpful.
How did the move go?
Given the fact that I’m Hungarian, for me the moving process was a whole lot easier, not a very special experience. I found a nice apartment at the beginning of July, we signed the contract in August and in the same month I already had most of my things in the apartment. I didn’t need any special documents because I’m Hungarian, so for me everything went smoothly.
Where do you see yourself in a few years, and how will CEA UM help you achieve this?
In a few years, I see myself as someone who has recently obtained a doctoral degree. The CEA UM Junior Programme offers numerous excellent opportunities to achieve this goal. The entire programme is designed to fit perfectly with the university doctoral programme, making the PhD experience more enjoyable while also providing an excellent environment for personal development related to the world of work. During the incredible, large-scale, and highly professional conferences, we have many opportunities to build networks, connect with foreign legal professionals, and strengthen international legal cooperation, all of which open countless doors for us. All of this contributes to the personal achievements I aim to accomplish in the coming years.
Was there anything you were worried about before you came here?
Maybe English being the language of work got me worried a little bit before everything started, especially the use of technical legal terms, but now I know that I shouldn’t have been afraid of anything.
What is everyday life like at the academy?
With one word: amazing. More specifically, our days are very colorful, all the different nations living and working together, sharing all the different experiences, both personal and professional, it lights up every day. Given that everybody tries to be as understanding, open-minded and helpful as they can, this little international community most days works like a little family. The working environment is beautiful, keeps us motivated, everything is provided for us in order to bring out the best in ourselves everyday.
How much does CEA UM support students professionally?
CEA UM is extremely supportive in our professional lives. We receive both personal and financial support to help us develop. We are encouraged to participate in as many conferences as possible, invited to publish our articles in journals associated with CEA UM, and provided with numerous opportunities to advance our careers. CEA UM is also very open to connecting us with high-ranking legal professionals, allowing us to gain valuable experience and develop our careers by building a strong reputation in circles we might not otherwise be able to access without the Academy.
How do you find time for research?
Well, given that the whole Junior Programme is designed to match perfectly the university PhD program, our work obligations are somehow connected to our research. That means that while working, we are actually able to do our researches, to conduct a proper research activity. We also have to take into account that the working hours are few enough for it to not be a problem to stay in the office a little bit longer and do some extra researches and still finish in time.
What is it like to live in Budapest?
Budapest is an incredible city, full of life, a multicultural center. Even as a Hungarian I can say that no other Hungarian city can be compared to Budapest. It’s a realm of possibilities, everything is easily accessible and the public transportation is very easy to use. Because of this multicultural character, even for a foreigner it is easy to fit in and find their place in Hungary.
How do you see the grant financially?
The scholarship is more than generous if we take into account the working hours. For a financially aware person it is completely enough to make a living and save money at the same time.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Honestly, I see myself as a legal professional. Although I really enjoy the academic field, considering my personality, I would prefer to work in the practical side of the legal profession. CEA UM offers an excellent opportunity to build a valuable network of legal professionals, which may lead to various job opportunities, so at the moment I do not have a specific plan in this regard.
Who would you recommend the CEA UM Junior Programme to?
I would recommend it to everybody who is ambitious, wants a bright future for themselves, who is open-minded and patient enough to work in a lovely but sometimes challenging internation environment. Somebody who wants to build valuable connections for life and who wants to maximaze self-improvement every day. Who wants to learn new skills, work hard for their dreams while also gaining numerous unforgettable experiences.
Is it a disadvantage that the Academy is still so young?
I wouldn’t say that it’s a disadvantage. It also means that the Academy still has a lot of opportunities to expand. Given the expertise possessed by the personnel apparatus behind the Academy, it already achieved a lot more than expected from an institution quite this young which also proves the potential it has in the near and further future.
What has been your best experience at CEA UM so far?
It is really hard to choose only one experince, beacuse we have been affected by so many happenings in the last few months that have all been very memorable. Starting from the interviews where we got introduced to the world of the Academy, through the Junior Camp where we got to know each other a lot better and establish meaningful connections in advance, until the amazing conferences we participated at and also our everyday lives that we love so much, I would say that this journey as a whole is the best experience.
What message do you have for future juniors?
Maybe that they shouldn’t be afraid of anything that comes their way and to be open to all opportunities beacuse of those there are a lot at the Academy. I would say that sometimes getting out of our comfort zones is the best thuing that can happen to us and it can open so many new doors for us so it’s important to try new things, build new connections, work hard and live life the fullest. That all contributes to being a good legal professional.
Lilla (HUN)
