Budapest Metropolitan University turned 20 years old! With this series, we would like to honor the events and amazing memories of these past two decades by looking back at stories of our students, alumni, professors and staff members who have been with us on this journey. 

Meet Anna Bianka Illés, alumna of our Communication and Media Science MA program. 

 

How did you end up at METU? Why did you choose to study at the university? 

I was certain that I want to continue my studies on master's level, and I have chosen the Communication and Media Science course because this is a really varied field in which everyone can find a way to fulfill themselves, and the knowledge gained here can also be used in other parts of life. I choose to study at METU because its modern and open-minded community, which makes it stand out among other universities, was really appealing to me. 

 

What's your first memory of METU? 

My first memory of METU is from the time I came for my admission exam. As soon as I entered the Nagy Lajos campus, I was immediately met by a friendly and welcoming environment. Everyone was really kind and helpful, so my experience with the university was very positive from the first moment. 

 

Tell us about a significant experience (the kindest, funniest, most exciting or most important) connected to the university! 

The most significant experiences from my university years are from my time as an ambassodor. I was happy to represent the university the 2019/20 academic year, and I always like to look back at the memories of the photoshoots, the EDUCATIO fair and the open days. These will always be precious to me. 

 

Can you share any experiences at METU that had a great impact on your professional career?  

Most of my professional experience is connected to METU, so the university had a huge impact on my career. As part of the Student's Union Marketing Team I was able to gain insight into event management, and I also gained experience in social media management as a content marketing trainee of the university. I temporarily also worked at the Admissions Office, where I was ableto learn more about the student admission process. 

 

Which word would you use to describe your experience at the university?  

The best word to describe my years at METU would be ‘discovery’. METU was the place which allowed me to discover what I wanted to do and what I was realy interested in: education. It makes me feel excited to be able to work on anything related, from university events to admission related tasks. 

 

What would you tell your university-student self? 

I would tell my university-student self to be brave and dive into doing new things, and to not waste any time using every available opportunity. 

 

If you could use a time capsule to go back to your university years, is there anything you would do differently?  

If I could turn back time, the only thing I would change is to join METU’s community even sooner. 

What do you think, what is the superpower of METU? 

I believe the superpower of METU lies in innovation. The modern teaching methods, all kinds of trainings and career building opportunities offered by the university helps the students in fulfilling their potential and in finding their vocation. 

What superpower did you gain thanks to the university?  

Open-mindedness, above everything else, as the university always encourages us to examine and understand every detail.   

What is the most important lesson METU has taught you? 

The most important lessons METU taught me were to always look at things from different perspective, and to dig deeper to understand them.

 

Where do you see METU in 5-10 years' time?  

Although METU is a quite ‘young’ institution, I believe it can already challenge reputable universities thanks to its innovative approach, thus I am certain that METU will continue to thrive and reach higher and higher in the future.  

2021. 09. 15.