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 Gábor Bódis, our professor. 

 

How did you end up at METU? 

I was invited to the university by Dr. Árpád Papp-Váry. I have known him for a long time, from a very successful and unique training where I received my image and brand expert qualification. There were many iconic lecturers sharing their knowledge and experiences, and Árpi was among them as well. I still remember and actively use the situations and solutions presented at that training. It provided a sound foundation to my professional career and my mindset as well. 

 

What's your first memory of METU? 

How the university’s approach fascinated me. I was welcomed in a cool, open-minded and inspiring environment. The students are driven to learn and create, and the professors can teach with practical methods. 

However, my very first memory is how I was able to experiencethe professionalism of the educational management. Zoli Gyarmati handed over everything in a clear and logical manner, all the while with a smile on his face. Of course, this hasn’t changed ever since, if anything, it only became even better – here I am thinking about Dr Péter Gulyás’s coordination work or the training videos made by Márti Kiss for the COVID-transformation. 

Can you share any determining experiences you had at METU? 

MyBRAND is definitely one of these. I was able to participate in the development of the program since the very beginning, including the training of my teacher colleagues. It was also great to see how both our former rector and current rector Prof Dr Balint Bachmann, as well as the whole leadership of the university wanted to, and came to understand the underlying philosophy.  

I think this is also thanks to the nature of our leadership. They are approachable, open-minded and welcoming towards not only new ideas but also towards fresh colleagues and our students. 

The ‘Inspired by creativity’ concept of the university illustrates our institution perfectly. We are developing our skills, knowledge and attitudes together. I am learning a lot from this as well. 

Mátyás Hinek, my superior is someone who I have known for a long time as well. This is just as important to me as the great community and cool colleagues we have at the institute. We even went skiing together a few years ago. 

 

 

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

I think the directions are really good. My vision is strengthening our position in both communication and marketing, tourism and art education. Perhaps METU will be able to challenge the bigger, but also slower universities in Hungary with incentive for continuous renewal. 

Our HR program is strongly integrated in today’s business world. METU has already become a reputable institution in the field with plenty of graduates becoming trendy colleagues and managers. The strengthening of our international partnerships, our already existing common projects, research and education will help us equip our students with practical knowledge and adaptable skills all the more - which is the reason why we come to work every day happily, in a good mood. 

 

 

What do you think lies behind the success of METU? 

Gábor believes that the key strength of METU lies in the creative approach, in the drive of its professors and in its transparent operations. In his opinion, not only students, but even professors can learn and benefit a lot from the skills-, knowledge- and attitude development opportunities the university offers. 

The way it is always two steps ahead of its competitors in Hungary and how the leadership encourages our professors to be successful in the market as well. Education can only be practical, up-to-date, solidly founded on and reflective of real life if the professors also have hands-on experience of market conditions, opportunities, situations and solutions. 

Another key to success is its creativity. Creativity is now part of every small detail and development. There are no unfinished projects. Operations are transparent for us, professors as well. I can sit down for a cup coffee with our rector, vice rectors and the leadership anytime, and they are open, honest and curious about my opinion. 

 

Discover METU business programs by clicking HERE. 

2021. 09. 08.