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 Stella Bánlaki, our alumna student. 

 

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

By the end of my high school years, I was already sure that I wanted to become a journalist and I was looking for a fresh, dynamic and practice-oriented program.  

There was a huge pressure from my family to also have a plan B with a ‘proper’ profession, in case I wouldn’t be able to get ahead with a degree in communications. So, I kept my options open and I was also looking at business majors. 

I still remember that open day 13 years ago where METU convinced both me and my mum that I can get all of these. In the end, I ended up enrolling to and graduating from two BA programs simultaneously, and I am glad I did! 

 

What's your first memory of METU? 

When I first saw the iconic round building of METU standing at Örs Vezér Square as a fresh high school graduate, I immediately felt that it was a really cool and special place.  

My next decisive memories are from our fresher’s camp – it was so awesome that I went back again and again to meet new people and party for years. 

 

Tell us about your most determining experiences (the kindest, funniest, most exciting or most important) connected to the university! 

Fresher’s camps and student union parties are pretty different nowadays from what they used to be around 2010, but I have really good and determining memories related to these. I even have good memories of the notorious communication theory and statistics exams. 

My most important professional experiences are from the practical seminars held by leading journalists and media professionals, and from the Media Workroom, where I was able to build my most determining relationships with fellow students and press contacts. 

My university years went by quickly, but I was able to make the most of my time here. Lots of work, studying and a bit of parties and social life. As the saying goes: I have no regrets. 

 

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

It was at METU’s Media Workroom roundtable discussion events where I got to meet the chief editors of online and offline press. Thanks to this opportunity, I received my first traineeship offer, which was later followed by a job offer as journalist. My career has been progressing steadily ever since – looking back, I always see the Media Workroom as my stepping-stone. 

My next important personal and professional milestone was giving a speech at the stage of TEDxMETU in front of hundreds of people. I received all the professional, technical and personal support I needed from the university, both during the preparations and at the event. 

 

What would you tell your university-student self? 

Trust yourself and your instincts more! 

 

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

That many of its professors work in the field day to day. Both during my Communication and Media BA, Economics and Management BA and Management and Leadership MA studies, I was able to learn from teachers who were using their fresh professional experience to teach us about their field, rather than using outdated books and articles.  

 

What superpower did you gain thanks to the university? 

My social network and the sound foundation of my professional knowledge. 

 

What is the most important lesson METU has taught you? 

It is not enough to simply be there, you also have to work hard. And it is not enough to work hard, you also have to show your achievements from time to time.  

Where do you see METU in 5-10 years? 

I hope the university will be able to further strengthen its professional reputation.  

2021. 09. 01.