Introduction
I am 26 years old, I was born in Felvidék. My ancestors are both Hungarian and Slovak, so I am in a lucky position to consider both countries as my homeland. I graduated from the Pan-European University in Bratislava with both a bachelor's and a master's degree in law. Even during my studies, I was sure that after finishing my Master's degree I would like to continue my studies and do a PhD.
How was the application process?
As I was at the end of my studies, I was a bit scared to think that I would end up in the so-called "squirrel wheel" and (with a little dramatic exaggeration, of course) that my everyday life would be the same for the rest of my life. So, there was no question of taking on this new challenge.
The application process seemed quite complex at first, but luckily Academy staff were there to help and guide me through the process. In June I had the opportunity to visit the Academy as part of the Open Day, which removed any doubt in my mind that I wanted to start the traineeship.
How did the move go?
The move went smoothly. The Academy offered to help us find a flat, but this was unnecessary as the issue was quickly resolved.
Where do you see yourself in a few years, and how does the CEA UM help you on that path?
I have loved writing since I was little, so I would like to pursue a research career. The legal career is often quite tied up, so I really enjoy being able to indulge my creative side in this job. In a couple of years, I see myself as a researcher who regularly publishes in prestigious journals and attends or even organises international conferences.
CEA UM provides tremendous support along this path. The Academy cooperates with numerous universities and research institutes, offering a wide range of publication opportunities. Furthermore, the connections and networking opportunities gained here are also extremely valuable. We have the opportunity to learn from distinguished academics and professionals, often from foreign universities, institutions, or courts, which not only deepens my knowledge but also opens up new perspectives for my research. Thanks to the continuous support of the Academy and the resources it provides, I feel that I have all the tools necessary to build a successful research career.
Was there anything you worried about before you came?
Yes, before I came here, I was mostly concerned about how difficult it would be to balance the times when we had conferences with continuing my research or writing my thesis and publications. Academic life is very busy and time-consuming, and I was worried about how I would be able to find the right balance between the different commitments and deadlines. Now that I am here, I realise that those concerns were unfounded. The Academy gives us the flexibility to manage our time. If you organise your time and priorities effectively, you should have no problem meeting deadlines, even with other commitments.
What is everyday life like at the academy?
Daily life at the Academy is quite varied. Some days are filled with academic activities, including high-quality lectures and seminars. We also participate in several conferences where we have the opportunity to listen to presentations from high-level academics. The institution regularly organises cultural programmes, such as the Cultural Evening series, which has allowed us to showcase our places of origin and learn about each other's cultures. Sometimes we have no extra activities on a particular day, so we can spend more time on our own research.
How much does the CEA UM support you professionally?
The support provided by CEA UM is quite multifaceted. First and foremost, CEA UM invites numerous outstanding speakers and experts who share a great deal of knowledge and experience with us. In addition, it supports our participation in summer schools and LL.M. programmes. This not only helps our current research and intellectual development, but also enhances and makes our CVs more attractive on the job market.
How can you also do research?
I am in the fortunate position that the Academy organises a lot of conferences in my area of interest and research, so I often draw inspiration for further research from the conferences. I think it is very important that you manage your time well and are interested in the area you are researching. It makes the work much easier because you enjoy it.
What other opportunities does CEA UM offer?
CEA UM supports us in many ways that can help advance our careers. Whether it is LL.M. programmes, summer schools, or participation in domestic and international conferences, the range of opportunities is broad. The Academy also supports us in language learning. Many of us study several foreign languages at the same time, and colleagues who do not speak Hungarian have the opportunity to learn the Hungarian language as well.
What is it like to live in Budapest?
Budapest was not a foreign city to me; I had been here many times before. I always thought it was beautiful, and full of possibilities. Budapest is always bustling, and everyone can find the leisure activity that suits them best. In truth, moving here was a bit bittersweet, as I had lived in Bratislava for many years before and I love the Slovak capital. But I don't regret moving here! After a year and a half, I can say that Budapest has also grown very close to my heart, and I almost consider it my home. The city has offered me a lot of new experiences and opportunities, which quickly made me forget any initial difficulties. Budapest is a vibrant, dynamic city that inspires me and helps me to stay motivated and active.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
I think 5-10 years is too far away to be able to answer that question. For example, 5 years ago I would never have thought that I would be living in Budapest today. I consider myself a spontaneous person, so I don't like to plan many years ahead. However, I can say with certainty that I would like to continue to research because I feel that I have found a lot of my strength in this work.
Who would you recommend the CEA UM programme to?
I would recommend the CEA UM programme to those who are open to various legal fields, enjoy critical thinking, and like to form their own opinions. I also really enjoy the diverse international environment. Many different cultures and people come together here, which can be an attractive aspect for others as well.
Isn’t it a disadvantage that the Academy is so young?
Absolutely not. As you can often read in job advertisements (but it is true of us), we are a young and dynamic environment. Because the institution is young, it is evolving with us. Of course, sometimes questions arise that do not have a predetermined answer, but in such situations, we always seek solutions together. The Academy is completely open to our opinions, and that helps us to feel at home here.
What has been your best experience so far at the CEA UM?
Organising my first own conference panel was a huge professional experience, which would not have been possible without the support of CEA UM.
I also really enjoyed the cultural evenings I mentioned earlier. I feel that these events brought our team even closer together and it was interesting to listen to each other's presentations on topics other than law.
What message do you have for future juniors?
I also really enjoyed the cultural evenings I mentioned earlier. I feel that these events brought our team even closer together and it was interesting to listen to each other's presentations on topics other than law.
Judita (SK)
