Thanks to the collaborative effort of the faculty community, the conference proved its relevance from the very beginning. The KO Aula was filled with motivated students who gained not only insights, but also real guidance for their future careers.

Real Stories, Real Experiences

At the heart of the event were alumni speakers who shared honest and personal stories about their career journeys, challenges, and key decisions:

• Dominik Elek
• Dalia Mahmoud
• George Polo
• Khalima Lebuzova

A recurring message throughout the discussions was that university years are not only about academic achievement, but also about gaining experience. A recurring message throughout the discussions was that university years are not only about academic achievement, but also about gaining experience. Internships, student jobs, and diverse projects all play a crucial role in shaping students’ readiness for the labor market.

One particularly memorable takeaway came from George Polo:
“Water your garden.”
Rather than waiting passively for opportunities, students should actively build their skills, expand their networks, and put themselves out there—so they are ready when opportunities arise.

Industry Perspective: Mindset and Ownership

The conference also featured a distinguished industry guest, Zsuzsa Kecsmar, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Antavo AI Loyalty Cloud.

In her talk, she went beyond career advice and emphasized the importance of ownership and mindset. She shared how she founded her company during her university years, the challenges of securing funding, and the mental shift required to take initiative and build something from the ground up. Her message resonated not only with students, but with everyone in the room.

Interactive Format and Active Engagement

NetCon was designed as more than a series of talks. The program included:

• a panel discussion on career paths and industry trends,
• an interactive Q&A session where students could ask questions directly,
• and a networking session that enabled personal connections beyond the stage.

Participants highlighted the open and engaging atmosphere as one of the event’s greatest strengths, allowing for honest conversations and meaningful exchanges.

A True Community Effort

The success of NetCon 2026 was made possible by the dedication of many organizers and supporters. Key contributors included:

• Bethel Ekoh
• Milana Kislova
• Sayyam Ahmed
• Faiza Amanullah
• Emmanuel Lamptey

as well as faculty supporters:

• Csák Luca
• Ildikó Pusztai-Varga
• Melinda Kovács

Their joint effort ensured a professional, inspiring, and smoothly executed event.

The Beginning of a Tradition

NetCon 2026 clearly demonstrated the strong demand for initiatives that connect students with alumni and industry professionals. Beyond networking, the event encouraged a proactive mindset—urging students to take ownership of their personal and professional development.

This, however, is only the beginning.
The organizers aim to establish NetCon as a recurring flagship event of SZTE GTK, bringing together an even broader community year after year.

See you next year—with an even stronger network.