Today, we visited SMP Solutions as part of the “Ready, Set, Lead” program, accompanied by Gábor Szabó, a former Foundation-supported individual. We engaged in informal discussions, which were particularly enjoyable because pairs from different departments of the company presented their areas of expertise. These pairs were formed in a way that one member was a former Foundation-supported individual, providing a mentor-supported feeling reminiscent of our time at the Foundation.
Firstly, Ádám Varga, representing SMP Solutions, welcomed us, followed by a presentation from Gábor Szabó, who introduced us to the world of universities. He shared his personal experiences and emphasized the importance of further education as a significant stage in people’s lives.
The presentation by Horváth Botond and Horváth Peti was truly surprising, as two individuals with degrees in humanities gave us insight into their work. We learned how they entered their respective fields and about their current projects. During the discussion, they also mentioned that not everyone ends up working in their field of study, but the time spent at university is not wasted. We also heard about how the time spent in higher education can help us find what truly interests us, emphasizing the importance of exploring various opportunities during our university years.
In the next discussion, Soproni Péter and Bogdán Pisti talked about their respective areas. We received many useful tips regarding password protection and safe internet usage. Additionally, we learned about the complexities of negotiating with clients, as often the client themselves may not be sure what they want.
Following this, we had a lunch break where we conversed with some employees of SMP, who were very approachable. They asked if we already had specific ideas about our future. Time flew by quickly, and soon we found ourselves being led on a tour where we could see what an office with over 300 employees looks like. We saw and heard many interesting things during this tour. It was evident that SMP pays great attention to the comfort of its employees, as there are many relaxing activities available in the office, including darts.
Afterwards, we attended the penultimate presentation of our career orientation day, led by Kincses Levente and Szabó Gábor, focusing on the role of project management and its challenges. Thanks to the Foundation, we have already gained insight into what it’s like to work on projects, and now we could see how this process unfolds in large corporations.
Finally, Kovács Dani and his team presented on the company’s sales position, highlighting the importance of administration, accounting, and maintaining client relationships in a company’s life. It’s crucial for individuals in these roles to have a proficiency in speaking English, the universal language of information technology and business. They also discussed the importance of basic skills such as problem-solving and organization, which are essential for those working in such positions.
We can truly say that today was enriching and full of experiences. We learned many useful and entirely new things during the presentations. We are very grateful for the opportunity to be here and to receive guidance in choosing our careers. Hopefully, in the future, we will have more opportunities to speak with the presenters and other employees of the company.
Pege Gyula, Tamasi Tilda, Varga Orsolya, Kis Evelin Éva, and Orosz Nóra Lili, Jászság 3rd group