The University of Szeged hosted its first large-scale Business Fest at the József Attila Study and Information Center, bringing key and timely business topics into focus. Alongside prominent business leaders and company owners from the city and the region, several SZTE speakers shared their expertise through presentations, panel discussions, and interactive workshops.
Developing digital and AI competencies – new skills for HR professionals
The role of modern HR has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with the development of digital and artificial intelligence-related competencies now a key factor for success. The panel discussion titled Developing Digital and AI Competencies – New Skills for HR Professionals featured Dr. Andrea Saághy, HR Director of the University of Szeged, Csaba Mester, Head of Product Development at HRmaster, and Éva Kósa, HR expert.
During the discussion, the speakers highlighted the skills HR professionals need to adapt to rapid technological change and better support their organizations. A key focus was the growing role of data-driven decision-making, as well as the widespread use of AI-based tools and online recruitment platforms, which have become standard across many companies.
"Artificial intelligence will soon no longer be an option, but an expectation. This means that when we talk about workplace efficiency, the market will begin to price in how effectively certain roles can be performed, assuming the use of AI,” said Csaba Mester.
The discussion also touched on how to design effective upskilling and reskilling programs for HR professionals, including what types of training and tools can help employees integrate artificial intelligence into their work in a conscious and beneficial way.
“At the university, we need to approach this issue from two perspectives – those of our students and our faculty members, as well as our other employees. We have developed internal guidelines on the use of AI, one for students and one for instructors, and we are also working to further develop our employees’ AI skills. Most importantly, AI should support our employees in their work,” said Dr. Andrea Saághy, HR Director of the University of Szeged.
Dr. Andrea Saághy emphasized that data security is the most important legal issue related to the use of AI. Photo: István Sahin-Tóth
An important question raised during the discussion was how to strike a balance between technological knowledge and human skills. The experts agreed that artificial intelligence is best suited for repetitive, administrative tasks, while human creativity remains essential. The goal, they noted, is for AI to enhance the efficiency of human work.
“It is important to maintain a balance between efficiency, creativity, intensity, and routine tasks. Employees need to feel that their work remains meaningful. At the same time, employers should take this as a warning: despite the growing role of AI, they must pay attention to employee workload and avoid duplicating tasks,” said Éva Kósa.
Dr. Andrea Saághy also highlighted the growing importance of workplace communities, noting that members of Generation Z often possess more advanced AI-related skills. This creates opportunities for mutual learning, enabling colleagues to share valuable knowledge with one another.
During the talk, the experts illustrated key trends and tools through practical, easy-to-understand examples, while also offering actionable advice for everyday HR work.
“Ten years from now, I would like to see that, instead of constantly seeking software solutions to emerging problems, we place greater emphasis on the human side. We should not lose sight of the fact that we are a human community, nor should we shift too far toward the digital world,” Dr. Andrea Saághy said in closing.
Original Hungarian article by Sára Bisztriczki
Feature photo: Zsolt Szalay, Csaba Mester, Dr. Andrea Saághy, and Éva Kósa. Photo by István Sahin-Tóth
