critical thinking is one of the keys to a successful future

The Engineering and Business Development Innovation Institute (MÜZLI) of the University of Debrecen announced a double event. At the Podium held in the Learning Center, László Papp, head of Gartner’s representation in Hungary and Bulgaria, shared his thoughts on the technological challenges of our time, and at the Alumni Party, MÜZLI’s master trainers talked to the students about their leadership experiences and career changes.

László Papp said at the podium discussion: his goal is to inspire the audience. – I try to encourage the audience to take active action, to try something new or start examining things from a different perspective. To highlight why it is worthwhile for them to walk with open eyes and not be afraid of the rapidly changing world – said the former student of the University of Debrecen, who does not think that it is more difficult for today’s young people than for previous generations, it is just different. They have to face different challenges than last year.

The Podium focused on young people and the constantly changing technological and digital world that surrounds them. László Papp, the managing director of the owner of i-Tango Kft., the head of Gartner’s Hungarian and Bulgarian representation, talked to Attila Ferik, the outgoing senior director of European engineering and product delivery of ArisGlobal, MÜZLI master instructor.

They discussed the development of technology in recent years, focusing on artificial intelligence and the space industry. László Papp sees it this way: people think that AI is good for everything. Although the future is rather that people will work together with artificial intelligence, which will make them much more productive, so open, extended intelligence is the real AI.

The home office and the performance of tasks at the workplace were discussed, and what advantages or disadvantages one or the other brings. The issue of online security and data protection was unavoidable. The invited speaker pointed out: we live in a “simulation” that we have created for ourselves, AI only adds an additional layer. Of course, there was the question of how to effectively prepare young people for the use of new technologies, and László Papp drew attention to the need for critical thinking.

According to experts, the entire digital ecosystem is a tool for us. We must strive for modern technologies to make our lives better. And at university we can learn how to use different technologies safely and effectively.

The head of MÜZLI, the head of global strategic and government relations and business development manager of GE Vernova Steam Power I Nuclear New Build, Endre Ascsillan, recalled that at the time, when they were still university students, how inspiring it was for them to be the head of a large company he told them personally about their work, their tasks, the things of life.

– We think that we are doing our job well if we can bring the challenges of everyday life as close as possible to the students, and tell them what practically happens in the jobs that we perform. For them, it is not so far away to enter the so-called capital letter life. We do not question the importance of theoretical education, but at the same time, the sharing of practical experiences can be a great supplement to it. We are trying to draw students’ attention to the critical way of thinking, because this aspect will also be essential in their own careers, Endre Ascsillan stated.

Several of MÜZLI’s master instructors changed careers in the past period, and those interested could hear about the background of their decisions at the Alumni Party. In addition to Endre Ascsillán and Attila Ferik, Gergő Lencsés, former global supply chain manager of GE, Zsolt Bertalan, former technology and innovation director of MVM Zrt., Attila Dezső, founding lawyer of Cerha Hempel Dezső et Tarsai Ügyvédi Iroda, and violinist Ino Mirkovic, the UNESCO ambassador answered the questions.

According to the starting point of the informal, interactive discourse, there are many more opportunities in the world today than in the past. The question of the future is exciting, focusing on people, how they react to changes in the world, what their motivations are, what their fears are.

There was an agreement that if we made a decision, we would not regret it. Let’s go along the road. You always need a goal and a well-structured concept. The difficulties of building a career in an international company were also discussed, including language barriers. Examples of how processes work in other parts of the world were also given, for example in America, Switzerland or Singapore. Among other things, they also touched on dual training and the need to seize the opportunity. The conversation highlighted the generational differences, for example, in the matter of education. The master lecturers with an international and global perspective highlighted the unique position of the University of Debrecen and the city, the potential of which could be increased by companies by integrating foreign students more efficiently and intensively.