Created: 2025.10.01. 14:35
Passion, balance, change and global openness – these were the key concepts at the panel discussion organised by the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences of Széchenyi István University under the title “Imagine your future!” at the Győr Innovation Park. Hungarian and international students listened to renowned speakers who shared thoughts that may help them on their professional journey and in succeeding in the global world.
The Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences of Széchenyi István University recently held a panel discussion at the Győr Innovation Park, where respected researchers, lecturers and professionals shared their experiences and views with the audience. At the English-language event, participants – primarily Hungarian and international students – heard inspiring ideas they could apply in building their professional and academic careers.
Many were curious to attend the panel discussion (Photo: Adorján András)
Dr Carol Bender, professor at the University of Arizona and Fulbright visiting professor at Széchenyi István University, a key figure in talent development and research-based higher education, explained that it is extremely important for students to see that what they learn in the classroom has practical applications and purpose. According to her, stepping outside the four walls is the only way to truly understand, for example, what an equation means – such as ensuring a bridge does not collapse. It also allows us to realise what additional knowledge we may need to become more effective professionals in our fields. “Real-life experiences make students much better, because these examples can be brought back into the classroom and connected to theory. That is why I try to do everything possible to ensure students see that knowledge has practical significance,” she detailed.
Dr Carol Bender, professor at the University of Arizona and Fulbright visiting professor at Széchenyi István University (Photo: Adorján András)
Dr Kristóf Schwartz, physician and researcher in health and behavioural neuroscience, assistant lecturer at the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences of Széchenyi István University, highlighted various aspects of what it takes to become a good professional. “The most important thing is to love your work, and to live fully what you are doing. Even when you face difficulties or feel uncertain, you must keep going and put your whole heart into it. This is what I believe in and try to follow in research, science and other areas in order to reach my goals,” he said. He added that visibility is also very important: one must show oneself while serving their vocation with humility and commitment.
Dr Zsolt Szepesváry, Head of the Department of Urology at the Petz Aladár University Teaching Hospital in Győr-Moson-Sopron County, and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences, stressed that the most fortunate situation is when one’s work is also their hobby, as this usually leads to happiness and satisfaction. “For me, this is the key, but one must be careful, because the line between a hobby and workaholism is very thin. That is why it is important to make time for holidays and rest,” he said, noting that achieving this balance can make someone a better professional.
Dr Attila Szabó, psychologist, research professor at the Faculty of Health and Sports Sciences of Széchenyi University, an international authority on behavioural addictions, placebo/nocebo mechanisms, and the relationship between physical activity and mental health, shared a similar view: in his opinion, one should remain in a job where eight hours feels like only ten minutes, but also be willing to make changes if necessary. “People are afraid of change, because they like the familiar path. Change can make things better, but it can also make them worse. People don’t like taking risks, but without it, stagnation follows, and they cannot grow. So be brave, and make changes if you see the need,” he advised the audience.
Eszter Elisabeth Valastyán, Head Nurse of the Traumatology, Orthopaedics and Hand Surgery Centre at Petz Hospital, pointed out that work is usually accompanied by stress, and it is essential to make time for oneself. Sport, she emphasised, is an especially effective stress reliever, which is particularly important for her after a twelve-hour or weekend shift. “If I go for a ten-kilometre run, I don’t feel tired at all, but rather recharged,” she said, drawing from her own experience.
When it came to gaining experience, achieving work–life balance, or taking on change, the discussion also touched upon the broader question of how institutions can create an environment where young people can use these lessons to succeed internationally. This was highlighted by Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice-President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi István University, who, when asked about the institution’s significant achievements in internationalisation, pointed out that Europe is falling behind the United States and China, and one way forward could be through the development of education. This is why a European strategy was born for the internationalisation of higher education institutions, a goal to which almost all Hungarian universities have committed themselves. “The main goal is global visibility, which derives from global reputation, and to achieve this, we need to research globally,” she emphasised. “For global research, we need education in English, and for education in English we need international students. Therefore, they are the cornerstones of our institutional strategy.”
Dr Eszter Lukács, Vice President for International Affairs and Strategic Relations at Széchenyi István University, also spoke about the institution’s achievements in internationalisation at the event (Photo: Adorján András)
