Introduction
My name is László M., I am 25 years old, and I’ve graduated from the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences from Péter Pázmány Catholic University. Throughout my studies, I have always been interested in the lesser-known, uncharted areas of law. Since I wrote my thesis on Space Law, I wanted to delve even deeper into this topic through doctoral studies. Due to the international nature of this subject and the lack of national experts of this field, I’ve aimed to find an organisation where I could research this topic from an international comparative law perspective. After considering various options, a senior student recommended me the Junior Program, which not only offered a PhD program but also an internship opportunity with international colleagues and numerous professional opportunities.
How was the application process?
The application process was logical and smooth; however, due to the specific complexity of my research topic, finding suitable supervisors proved to be the biggest challenge. During the application, the CEA UM itself also assisted in identifying relevant experts, and in the end I was able to apply to the Junior Programme with the support of two supervisors (one Hungarian and one Polish). The open day in August, the admission interview, and finally the freshman camp in Miskolc all reinforced my belief that the Academy offers a unique professional opportunity within the country.
How did the move go?
Fortunately, I did not have to move because I live in Budapest and, moreover, close to the Academy.
Where do you see yourself in a few years, and how does the CEA UM help you on that path?
I consider myself more of a theoretical lawyer, so a research career is particularly appealing to me. Undoubtedly, one of the greatest advantages of the programme is that we are required to attend numerous conferences, guest lectures by invited speakers, as well as visits by the supervisors of my fellow PhD colleagues. This helps us gain a comprehensive understanding of current issues and major challenges across different fields of law, while also providing inspiration and valuable experience in areas such as presentation skills and event organisation.
Was there anything you worried about before you came?
I was mainly worried about how I wouldn't be able to focus on my own PhD topic due to the numerous conferences, lectures, travel, and office work. However, now I feel like these opportunities are what most support my progress and often provide new ideas for my research. My perspective has undoubtedly broadened by seeing various fields of law.
What is everyday life like at the academy?
Each semester could be divided into more or less two periods: During the 'exam' period, we generally have to pass exams weekly, based on the material assigned for the semester. This period is about studying, office work, independent research, and attending conferences. After completing the compulsory subjects, the second period starts: The supervisor visits. During this term the supervisor of a particular collegue prepares presentations and tasks on their expert topic, on which we all attend. These lectures are often leading to interactive, exciting discussions. However throughout both periods, study trips and giving lectures are also important parts of our professional advancement.
How much does the CEA UM support you professionally?
They provide full support in all matters I bring to them, and thanks to their extensive network and the supportive professors’ network, I have yet to encounter a professional issue for which they could not offer advice or a solution. In addition, the CEA UM organises study trips for students and even provides access to numerous important legal databases.
How can you also do research?
I can do research in parallel to my work here, and what helps is that the management tries to organise the tasks and the work so that everyone can work on their own topics.
Így viszont konkrétan segítik is a kutatómunkámat, hiszen olyan környezetben, olyan szakmai hálózattal és olyan érdekes, a szakmában elismert emberekkel találkozhatok, ami enélkül az ME KEA-s Junior Program nélkül nem valósulna meg. Az ME KEA ilyen szempontból is egy ugródeszka.
What other opportunities does CEA UM offer?
In addition to language classes, we can often rely on them for organizing individual, topic-related trips abroad, thus lifting the burden of travel financing from the students' shoulders within certain limits.
What is it like to live in Budapest?
Since I grew up here, I can only speak biased of the city. I believe it offers everything a PhD student could wish for: cultural programs, good transportation, beautiful surroundings, and supportive colleagues. I think it would be hard to imagine a better city for the Academy's headquarters.
Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
It is relatively difficult to see that far into the future. However, after completing my PhD, I would definitely like to both pass on the international knowledge I have gathered over these five years trough teaching as well as representing and shareing Hungary's legal and technological innovative solutions in space research on an international level.
Who would you recommend the CEA Junior Programme to?
To anyone who dares to ask questions and seek answers, who loves reading, or simply observing and listening, and to those who do not want to walk the challenging path of a PhD alone but alongside similarly aged, like-minded young people.
Isn’t it a disadvantage that the Academy is so young?
Not at all! On the contrary, it provides an opportunity for growth. Often our opinions are sought, and our involvement and assistance are valued, which not only provides us with development opportunities but also entails a certain responsibility as we help shape the institution.
What has been your best experience so far at the CEA UM?
Professional relationships are the cornerstone of the Academy, as it aims to establish close professional connections, that can function years, even decades after completing the program, ans enabling us to ask our former collegues in any case when a help is needed in connection to legal task related to another country. In this sense the cultural evenings, organised by the CEA are supporting this. These programmes where establishing a platform where colleagues from Central European countries could present their own countries, perform their own songs, share their traditions, and let us taste their food, have greatly helped in creating community.
What message do you have for future juniors?
Without a doubt, the CEA UM not only represents outstanding professionalism at a (Central) European level, but I also believe it offers a unique opportunity to conduct research in your chosen field under the guidance and alongside true experts.
László (HU)
