MADINA AKHMETSHINA
Country of Residence: Kazakhstan
Program at CEU & Graduation Year: Gender Studies 2012
What have you been up to since you graduated from CEU?
I worked as a student psychologist, then as an HR manager and a co-founded a company “DAYAMOGU”
What is your best memory of your time at CEU?
Conducting interviews with the victims of the Osh Events of 2010 for my thesis.
What was the most memorable experience as an Alumni Scholarship Recipient and why? Holding workshops for my student club “Say Yes! To Success!” It helped to start something I always wanted to do, but was afraid to start.
Have your studies at CEU so far proven helpful in your career?
Yes, especially the extra-curricualar activities.
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
Surround yourself with supportive people and those who has achieved a lot.
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)! Perhaps walking in Buda side more. There are not that many sightseeing points, but it gives a totally different enriched perception of the city that you will miss forever :)
ANDREY ANASTASSOV
Country of Residence: Belgium
Program at CEU & Graduation Year: Political Science, 2012
What have you been up to since you graduated from CEU?
Soon after I graduated from CEU I returned back to Sofia and researched opportunities for my career development. I was lucky enough to join the team of Teach For Bulgaria, part of Teach For All in October. This international network of organizations aims at improving the quality of education in unprivileged schools by introducing young visionaries as teachers for 2 years. My goal was to recruit graduating students to our cause, via presentations, interviews, seminars and others. It was very exciting to see that our young and motivating teachers succeed in improving the scores of students, previously neglected by the system. Later, I was called by my current supervisor in the DG Communication in the European Parliament, who announced that I am approved for a 5-month internship until the end of the summer. As soon as my internship in Brussels is over, I am returning to Sofia and Teach For Bulgaria.
What is your best memory of your time at CEU?
I met amazing friends at CEU. Without any doubt, my greatest experience is our participation in a play, directed by fellow students Igor Gurkin and Yllka Bina. We performed 'Closer' by Patrick Marber at the subterranean stage of a great bar at the center of Budapest. It was exciting to rehearse throughout the entire second semester of studies at CEU. We had not had a dedicated hall, so usually we rehearsed in the evenings in the underground cafeteria at Nador 9.
Have your studies at CEU so far proven helpful in your career?
Since both activities in which I am involved in are not academic, there is hardly any research similar to the one in the Political Science program, not to speak about the statistical software we had to study. Nonetheless, CEU gave me the patience to conduct indebt analyses of the topics of my concern. Also, I have had few amazing professors, from whom I learned so much!
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
I may give advice solely to those who are planning to go for an outside-university career. The most important thing is to take up an activity or to apply for something that is emotionally close to you. I have tried to force myself and apply for boring positions and it simply does not work out. It is not going to be the end of the world if you remain jobless for a few months after graduation - it is the summer after all! But be picky about your long-term occupation!
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)!
I am not a party animal or a city cites guru. I would enjoy the nice spring in Budapest with a bottle of beer in hand on the grass in the park with my CEU friends. Some of them you might not see again very soon.
COSMIN ANDREI ARTIMOF
Country of Residence: Germany
Program at CEU & Graduation Year: Political Science, 2012
What have you been up to since you graduated from CEU? I am currently pursuing a PhD at Mannheim University (CDSS) on the topic of European youth political participation. Mostly, I’ve been trying to adapt to my new adoptive environment and rigorous lifestyle.
What is your best memory of your time at CEU? It is quite difficult to pinpoint an exact one; there have been the best of times and the worst of times. Still, I can definitely say that my most cherished memories are those of the people at CEU, the professors who have had a tremendous positive influence on me (I say ‘hi’ fondly to Levente Littvay, Tamas Rudas and Carsten Schneider) and the numberless friends I’ve made over the years. The journey towards graduation would have been so much more difficult if I couldn’t rely on their support and companionship.
Have your studies at CEU so far proven helpful in your career?
Without a doubt, the years spend at CEU have been the best possible investment in my personal development and the broadening of my career opportunities within the field of Political Science. The whole academic experience has been an eye-opener, not only to the intricacies of scientific research but to the leeway that this field can offer as well.
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
Take a break, recharge your batteries and just enjoy life for a while.
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)!
Try the best cooked, smoked ham with horseradish in Budapest at Polo Club on Batthyány utca 4. If you go on Tuesdays you’ll have a pleasant musical surprise.
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)!
Try the best cooked, smoked ham with horseradish in Budapest at Polo Club on Batthyány utca 4. If you go on Tuesdays you’ll have a pleasant musical surprise.
EKATERINA BABINTSEVA
Country of Residence: Russia
Program at CEU & Graduation Year: Gender Studies, 2012
What have you been up to since you graduated from CEU?
I have been working at an International Education Agency and applied to PhD programs and was accepted by three of them.
What is your best memory of your time at CEU?
It is difficult to decide on the best moment, there were many of them, but I really enjoyed my studies (so untypical for CEU students, I know). So, all the best moments are somehow related to the wonderful seminar classes that we had with Prof. Allaine Cerwonka. Studying under her guidance was a sheer joy.
What was the most memorable experience as an Alumni Scholarship Recipient and why?
The most memorable moment was when we organized cartoon screening in the hall of Nador 9 and when I saw that passers-by really liked our idea and enjoyed the cartoons we were showing. That was quite rewarding.
Have your studies at CEU so far proven helpful in your career?
My studies at CEU helped me a lot. I was accepted to PhD programs in History with full fellowships of the University of Toronto, Northwestern and the University of Pennsylvania. Recently, I have officially enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania. Since my research proposal would not be possible without the knowledge I gained during my MA and the thesis that I wrote, I consider my CEU experience to be the key for my academic success.
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
To reduce you anxiety try to decide what you want and set your priorities. Thus, if your goal is to pursue an academic career and you have not applied to PhD programs once you were doing your MA, then don’t fret about jobs too much. I am saying that because people around will be talking a lot about (sometimes even getting) jobs. So, decide on what you need. If you want to continue studying then just work on your PhD applications and find a part-time employment to have some cash. If you want a career and you don’t speak Hungarian, then staying in Hungary won’t be an excellent idea because the lack of the knowledge of Hungarian will be a hindrance for your professional development. While you will be able to find a job, it will be hard to find a place where you can make a career if you don’t speak the local language.
If you just want to stay in Europe and don’t care about what you do (and this is ok) then apply for low level positions at International companies that require the knowledge of English (i. e. help-desk, customer support, etc.)
So, decide on your priorities that will make it easier for you to make a transition from CEU to “real” life.
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)!
Don’t miss your graduation ceremony and meeting with people whose friendship you value a lot.
TAMÁS GYÖRGY
Country of Residence: Indonesia
Program at CEU & Graduation Year: Political Science, 2012
What have you been up to since you graduated from CEU?
I got this scholarship called Darmasiswa. I have been fooling around in Indonesia, learning traditional Javanese dance, to play the Gamelan, and Indonesian and Javanese language. Discovering an exotic culture as a political scientist is at least as much fun as discovering an exotic culture as an undergraduate:)
What is your best memory of your time at CEU?
One is definitely connected to CEU Weekly (for example the smell of a freshly printed issue that has my own piece that I am proud of on the front page), and the other is the time when after a panic attack my supervisor Stefania Milan helped me to get my act together, putting my activity at CEU in perspective. I emerged from her office as a new person.
Have your studies at CEU so far proven helpful in your career?
I helped my friend Bagyo from Thailand writing his essay on urban studies(?) one afternoon: he got an ‘A’ and he did not get expelled from some thai university. I introduced game theory to a Balinese surfer, who liked it very much. Maybe these things did not help my career, but I think I did help others.
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
I think it depends on ones personality, but I would say do not do something you do not want to just because it is a logical step from the point of view of your career.
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)!
Go to the places that are highlighted in the city guide: they are there for a reason! Also: discover the Buda side of the river. It is so much nicer there. Go to Bálint Galéria Kávézó (Budapest, 1026 Házmán utca 5) for a coffee and/or some beers with friends or a good book, that place has the best of the Buda atmosphere. While you are there, please tell Bálint that Gyöki says “Hi”!
DIANA SABLUK
Country of Residence: Ukraine
Program at CEU & Graduation Year: IRES 2010
What have you been up to since you graduated from CEU?
I have been working in the automotive and IT industries ever since. I have also been freelancing in the academic research area.
What is your best memory of your time at CEU?
My time at CEU was like one bright moment of enlightenment. As a result of it I remember graduating at MUPA, staying on the stage and as a choir member singing “Gaudeamus”.
Have your studies at CEU so far proven helpful in your career?
It has by all means proven helpful in my whole life and not only career. Even if I’m not directly involved into IRES field, I have learnt such qualities as good structuring, discipline, assertiveness and a quality of never giving up even in the hardest moments.
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
After graduation the whole world is open. That’s exciting, but it’s also very challenging. Some find their future way quickly and is moving fast forward. For some the variety of choices presents a fair challenge of choosing the right one. In either case, don’t be discouraged. If it takes some time to find your future path – let it, even if it takes longer than you have expected. You never know what is expecting you upfront. If the opportunity changes your life, let it. None said it would be easy. We might just say it would be worth it.
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)!
Try to spend as much time outside as possible – together with friends and faculty members. Make connections. Once you’ll discover that they are all that matters the most.
JAN SMOLENSKI
Country of Residence: USA
Program at CEU & Graduation Year: MA1 Political Science, 2012
What have you been up to since you graduated from CEU?
I have been pursuing my PhD at the New School for Social Research in New York. It means that besides four short trips, two of which were conference-related, I didn't much besides reading.
What is your best memory of your time at CEU?
It is hard to say, there are so many of them. I guess that one of the greatest things about the CEU and what I still warmly recall is the sense of community of both scholars and friends.
Have your studies at CEU so far proven helpful in your career?
By now they have proven extremely useful and in many more ways than I expected.
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
Find something to do and find it quick. If you are pursuing your PhD, find something to do over summer. For me the worst thing was that I didn't have anything planned for summer so I was just waiting for the academic year – and new period of my life – to begin.
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)!
Don't miss a beer in the evening at the Erzsebet Ter and a glass of wine with your friends in the evening at the bank of Danube looking at amazing Buda Castle or the House of the Parliament. Sounds like nothing but when you end up in a place like New York, where these things are impossible, you start to miss them.
MAGDALENA STARKOVA
Country of Residence: Czech Republic
Program at CEU & Graduation Year: History, 2011
What have you been up to since you graduated from CEU?
Writing and publishing poetry and prose and some feeble attempts to get my PhD. Running.
What is your best memory of your time at CEU?
My best memory is the dorm coffee machine, a place of unifying solidarity, while fighting the demon of procrastination in the thesis time. And seriously? Probably the moments of singing with the CEU choir.
Have your studies at CEU so far proven helpful in your career?
Quite helpful, especially because of the connections I have made.
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
Try to get some security even before graduation. And don´t let them talk you into this crisis thing. There is always a way.
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)!
Try to read your papers or whatever you have to read in the Rudas bath. The light is dim and your eyes will hurt, but do it anyway. And spend time with your friends as often as you can. Soon you will be scattered all around and getting together will be hard. Remember those people are your real treasure.
ANDRAS SZIKLAI
Country of Residence: Israel
Program at CEU & Graduation Year: Nationalism Studies/Jewish Studies Program, 2010
What have you been up to since you graduated from CEU?
I've been studying in a PhD program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
What is your best memory of your time at CEU?
I loved to have coffee and Turosh Retes in Branch in Arany Janos str. In between the lectures
Have your studies at CEU so far proven helpful in your career?
My studies at both programs make my life definitely easier in my PhD program.
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
Worries do not help! Go to Vian Cafe at Liszt Ferenc sqr. have a Caffe Latte and a Somloi
Galushka and enjoy life! Carpe diem!
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)!
Jégbüfé! (a very famous confectionary in Ferenciek tere—Editors’ note)
YUSUF YUKSEGDAG
Country of Residence: Sweden
Program at CEU & Graduation Year: Political Science MA, 2012
What have you been up to since you graduated from CEU?
I gave an involuntary break for six months right after the graduation, yet after some time I’ve realized I needed that. It helped me to realize what I would like to do ‘most’. Right now, I am a PhD student in Sweden doing Applied Ethics.
What is your best memory of your time at CEU?
It is hard to decide among the many… However, if I have to choose one, I’d choose the graduation day/party. Not because, I did graduate, but it was my last day with my dearest friends, and although it was painful back in the day, now it leaves a big smile.
Have your studies at CEU so far proven helpful in your career?
I appreciate the force of this question, but I am not really inclined to see the merit of a personal answer on this one. All of us tend to gain something different from CEU; some realized they can’t do more, some tried to do ‘better’ – whatever that means –. All in all, there is always something to obtain, depending on what you value and what you want to achieve in your ‘career’; and CEU has a lot to offer for sure.
Any tricks or hints for the upcoming graduates on how to deal with the post-graduation anxiety?
It is better to celebrate unemployment for the time being, the rest will come for sure. The anxiety after the graduation, if you have it, is related with nothing but uncertainty, I believe. Even if you will end up in a shitty job/position – rest assured you shall, and don’t worry it’s all shitty – in the end you will fall on your feet anyway, just so you know…
Please, share some insider knowledge on what not to miss in Budapest during the last weeks (not necessarily mentioned in a city guide)!
Just drink in as many places as possible (try Buda side just for once)… Also, I would not miss ‘Live Band Karaoke-Budapest’, you should check their Facebook page for the gigs. If you still have time, then visit Szentendre with some friends.
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