On 17 November 2025, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at the University of Szeged hosted an online Alumni Panel Discussion, aimed at showcasing the diverse and successful career paths of GTK graduates. Three speakers from three countries and three different career stages joined the conversation:

• Amir Ali Irvanian, Vice President of International Markets Strategy and Sales, Esders GmbH (Germany)
• Turan Abbaszade, PhD in Land Economy, University of Cambridge (UK)
• Shota Bekaia, Master’s student in Business Information Technology Management, University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands)
  
  

The panel discussion was opened and closed by Luca Csák, Alumni Coordinator, and moderated by Faiza, Alumni intern. The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Benedek Nagy, Dean of the Faculty and a member of the Faculty’s Alumni team.

The panelists shared their university experiences, career challenges, and essential skills that help them navigate today’s competitive job market. They were exceptionally professional and inspiring, generously sharing the best advice and ideas. They hold remarkably similar perspectives on key issues. Regardless of where life takes GTK graduates after earning their degree, the value of their education remains the same.

University Years – The Power of Participation

According to Shota Bekaia, actively joining student clubs and organizations is one of the most valuable decisions a student can make. He said, that the more experience you collect during your university years, the easier it will be to enter the labour market.

Amir Irvanian shared a personal story that touched the audience: he met his future wife at the Szeged Wine Festival. Today they live in Germany with their child. Throughout the discussion, Amir emphasized the importance of staying open, proactive, and patient.

Turan Abbaszade highlighted the importance of having strong adaptability skills, while also stressing the value of developing soft skills to succeed in diverse career paths.

Which Courses Matter Most?

The panelists highlighted several courses that had a long-lasting impact on their careers, including:

• Negotiation Skills
• Business Planning
• Market Research
• Classes taught by Dr. Bajmócy

Skills Needed Today

The speakers agreed that the following skills are essential in their daily work:

• Leadership
• Cybersecurity awareness
• AI and computing skills
• Strategic thinking
• Presentation skills

They recommended expanding knowledge through Coursera courses and following educational content creators on social media platforms.

Daily Routines – Structure and Balance

All panelists emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy work–life balance. They rely on daily, weekly, and monthly to-do lists to stay organized and focused. Strategic planning and personal well-being go hand in hand in their routines.

Conclusion

The discussion offered honest insights and relatable experiences for current students. The panelists’ stories demonstrated that career development is rarely linear—but with openness, persistence, and continuous learning, everything eventually falls into place.