The importance of networking, mutual support, and navigating uncertainty took center stage at the opening event of SZTE’s seasonal Alumni Mentor Program, now in its 25th year. Following an introduction to the program, participants listened to a series of engaging talks and personal stories designed to help them begin their collaborations with confidence.
The opening event of SZTE’s current Alumni Mentor Program brought mentors and mentees together for an in-person meeting at Café Radnóti, a popular gathering place located in the main building of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Participants were welcomed by Prof. Dr. Márta Görög, Rector’s Commissioner for Alumni Affairs at SZTE, who emphasized the significance of the initiative:
“In the past, students did not have access to services like those provided by this program or by offices such as the Student Services Office or the Career Office. Today, however, these initiatives play a key role in supporting student progress and success, as they provide practical, experience-based knowledge that complements academic studies and helps prepare students for the world of work.”
The alumni program aims to support and guide students through shared experiences and personal insights, connecting them with alumni mentors who have already navigated the path that current university students are only beginning to take.
The Alumni Mentor Program (AMP) is designed to support students’ professional development by connecting them with experienced professionals and offering first-hand career guidance. Those who have not yet joined the program are also encouraged to explore its online platform, where a wide range of alumni mentors are available to provide support and inspiration.
As part of this season’s opening event, following the welcoming remarks, program coordinator Györgyi Gerháth led a session introducing students to the mentoring process and, through interactive activities, showed them how to build meaningful, productive, and lasting mentoring relationships over the course of the semester. She also emphasized the importance of asking questions and letting go of the fears that often hold students back.
Participants were encouraged to view mentoring as a process made up of several key stages:
Beginning with self-reflection, students are advised to clarify their goals and identify the questions they wish to bring to the conversation. Establishing a relationship of trust with the mentor then becomes essential, while regular meetings – often over a coffee – help sustain motivation and strengthen commitment to one’s chosen field. As the collaboration develops, it is equally important to agree on the preferred forms of communication, the topics to be explored, and the objectives of the mentoring relationship. By the end of a successful mentorship, students are better equipped to navigate their next steps with confidence and to shape their career paths more independently.
The program enables each student to find a mentor who best matches their individual needs, while also offering opportunities to work with professionals who hold coaching qualifications. As several mentees noted at the event, the system as a whole functions effectively and provides valuable support throughout their studies.
“As a psychology student, it is particularly useful to gain direct insight into the practical side of the profession from an experienced specialist, especially before deciding on a master’s specialization. It helps me view my future career from a broader perspective,” one of the mentees remarked.
Some students have not yet chosen a mentor but remain optimistic about finding the right match. “For a legal career, a strong professional network is essential,” one participant said. “As a fourth-year law student, I haven’t chosen a mentor yet, but I believe that working with one could help me identify which direction within the legal profession suits me best, as I am interested in several areas. Alongside gaining practical experience, this kind of support could also help me continue developing and better understand where I still need to improve.”
Over the coming months, participants in the Mentor Program will continue to meet regularly, discussing professional matters and receiving personalized guidance from their mentors.
The program is open to all University of Szeged students. In addition to the spring cycle, which is based on ongoing collaboration, alumni mentors are also available through so-called ‘flash mentoring’, offering one-on-one or occasional professional consultations. These opportunities for conversation remain even after graduation, allowing former students to reflect on present challenges and future plans in a relaxed, informal setting.
More information about the program and available mentoring opportunities can be found on SZTE’s Alma Mater platforms.
A photo gallery from the event is also accessible in the AMP group on uniszegedalumni.com, where it can be viewed after logging in.
Original Hungarian article by Rebeka Bodnár
Photos by Bianka Móró
