Created: 2025.11.03. 14:31
For the past four years, the Széll Kálmán Residential College of Economic and Data Science at Széchenyi István University has been building a scientific forum that offers students a valuable professional network, in-depth knowledge, and diverse opportunities. Members of this talent development community have achieved remarkable results in recent years, and most recently they participated in a professional study visit to the logistics centre of Amazon—one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies—in Vienna.
The Széll Kálmán College is the first college for advanced studies at Széchenyi István University with a focus on economics and data science, operating as an international, English-speaking community with an equal proportion of Hungarian and international students. “Our organisation provides an inspiring environment where academic research, practical knowledge and personal development reinforce one another. Members regularly take part in research projects and case study competitions, publish their work, present their results at institutional and national Scientific Students’ Associations Conferences, and participate in programmes that build bridges between university studies and professional practice,” said Dr László Buics, Programme Director of the College and Associate Professor at the Kautz Gyula Faculty of Business and Economics.
“Our goal is not only to foster academic excellence but also to offer outstanding professional opportunities—mindsets and connections that will remain valuable throughout our students’ future careers,” added Dr Eszter Sós, Associate Professor at the Department of Logistics and Transportation, and Professional Mentor of the College.
In October, the community reached another milestone when students visited Amazon’s DVI3 Logistics Centre in Vienna. The study visit, made possible with targeted support from the university’s student union, allowed participants to gain first-hand insight into the logistics operations of one of the leading players in global e-commerce. The programme was organised by Dr. Eszter Sós, whose former student—now an employee at Amazon’s Vienna centre—helped facilitate the visit.
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The Széll Kálmán College team during their study visit to Amazon’s DVI3 Logistics Centre in Vienna
(Photo: Széchenyi István University)
During the visit, participants learned about the logistics processes involved in so-called “last-mile delivery”. The stage in which packages are transported from the distribution centre to collection points or directly to customers. They also gained insight into the company’s AI-driven systems, as well as its key safety and sustainability principles. “At Amazon’s logistics hub, every minute and every movement is carefully planned. The automated system schedules incoming vehicles in advance; drivers use digital tools to view their assigned stations and delivery tasks. Alongside efficiency and safety, sustainability is a key priority—operations are characterised by optimised routes, minimal emissions, and a remarkably low error rate. The students were fascinated, asking a flurry of questions—it was a truly memorable experience for them to see how a world-class logistics system functions in practice,” highlighted Dr Sós.
The experience proved inspiring not only for logistics engineering students but also for those studying business administration, management, and commerce and marketing, as Amazon’s systemic approach clearly demonstrates how technology, data-driven decision-making, and sustainable operations are interconnected.
Looking ahead, the College plans to organise further international study trips to continue expanding students’ professional horizons and practical experience. “We are a motivated, knowledge-driven community constantly seeking new opportunities—whether through research, publication, or international exposure,” added Dr Sós.
All students interested in economics, data science, and interdisciplinary thinking, and who wish to be part of an international, English-speaking community, are encouraged to apply to the Széll Kálmán Residential College. Further information about admission and the College’s activities is available at https://szellkalman-szakkollegium.sze.hu/en_GB/news-.
