Budapest Journal 2010 Spring/Summer
The Spirit of CEMS O Offffiicciiaall JJoouurrnnaall ooff C CEEM MSS C Clluubb B Buuddaappeesstt
Contributors: Kornélia Bodnár Réka Domonkos Anna Mészáros Renáta Ondok Orsolya Rétallér Zsófia Szanyi
Editors: Kinga Jentetics István Mag Dávid Széles
1
Greetings from the Editor Dear Cemsies,
We are very happy and proud that you are reading the Spring edition of CEMS Budapest Journal in 2010. On the one hand, I recommend this edition to our fellow students. Guys, we have summarized the most memorable events of this Semester, which we think are worth recalling. If not now, maybe some years later. On the other hand, this issue is for the future Cemsies as well, who are just considering the application for the program. We tried to introduce the colourful life of CEMS to them to make their decision easier. I would like to say thank you to all our authors and contributors who made it possible to publish this issue! After putting it together for you, Dear Readers, it only remains for us to say that we hope you enjoy reading this edition!
Istvรกn Mag
Contents
1 3 6 8
Greetings from the Editor
Working at
Student Alumni Mentorship Program CEMS Events:
8 Winter Camp 10 Presentation Skills Seminar 13 CEMS Conference on Social Entrepreneurship 16 A Skill Seminar to Remember 19 Humanitarian Week – Poker for Africa 22 CEMS Summer Festival 2010
24
Newcomers’ High Expectations
27
Message from far… Greetings from Dublin
3
Working at KPMG by István Mag
This semester, we talked with Márta Berzsenyi, HR Manager of KPMG, global Big Four audit firm, CEMS corporate
partner.
During
our
conversation a lot of interesting topics came to the surface. On the which aims to find the most talented trainees
next pages you can find the extract
and assistants, the other is to search and select
of the interview. I am sure it is worth
the experienced workers.
reading it over.
Besides,
my
responsibilities
the
of
the
and
the
coordination
and
CBJ: First of all, would you please tell us some
performance
evaluation
words
coordination of the perks & benefits system.
about
yourself?
Where
did
you
development
are
system
graduate? How long have you been working at
The Global Opportunities Program operates
KPMG in Hungary; what are your main
among the KPMG member firms all over the
responsibilities?
world
Márti: I graduated at Szent István University in
(http://www.kpmg.com/Global/en/JoinUs/Care
Gödöllő in 1996, specialized in employment
erNews/GlobalCareers/PublishingImages/Caree
counselling. It is a special, practice-oriented
rsMagazineJune10/aboutus/go-program.html).
course with an obligatory work experience
At the Hungarian office I carry out the
abroad.
coordination
tasks
of
the
international
assignment program, and the documentation in My first job was at Dreher Sörgyárak Zrt., where
connection with foreign guest associates.
I spent three years. I joined KPMG in 2001. Three years later I was appointed HR Manager.
In autumn 2008 I was given an interesting and challenging task, which is the management of
The scope of my responsibilities is ramifying; it is a kind of a generalist job, with the main focus on search & selection, which can be divided into two parts. One is the graduate campaign,
the company’s CR strategy.
CBJ: Would you please explain how the
Certainly, the adequate foreign language skills, -
graduate campaign works?
English above intermediate, German is an
Márti: We have been conducting the graduate campaign in autumn for years, of which main goal is to find and employ trainees in great numbers, 30-40, for the hard season, which is January, February and March. We admit trainees to the division of audit and tax advisory as well as business and IT advisory. This 3month-long period is a great opportunity for the trainees to get to know our company and the job, they have chosen, or simply to get
advantage- and the basic computer skills are needed in the everyday work. CBJ: Why do you like working for KPMG? Márti: As I have mentioned before, I have been working at KPMG for 9 years, so I had enough time to get to know the company. What I like in KPMG very much is that, however, KPMG is an international network, it’s not a conventional multinational organisation.
reinforcement whether they go in the right
In all countries, it is working as a separate legal
direction in their career.
entity, and its multi-domestic strategy makes it
Moreover, it is a great chance for us as well to get a feedback on the performance of our
possible to react appropriately to the local needs and to adjust its portfolio to them.
future colleagues in a real working atmosphere,
When we carry out a project, we do not have
since the ratio of the admitted colleagues is
the given, regulated solutions, we have to solve
high- 95%- after the expiration of the trainee
the problem on our own by using our creativity
period.
and team working.
The assistant campaign starts in spring, during
Besides, naturally we are part of a multinational
this period we visit several universities and
company with a strong brand behind us. We
colleges to get in touch with students.
have a lot of foreign colleagues, thus our
CBJ: Would you please describe the ideal candidate for KPMG?
English is continuously developing. In every branch and division, work teams are formed among the local offices to encourage the
Márti: All in all, I could say, besides professional
knowledge and best practice sharing, these
orientation and motivation, during the ACs and
teams
interviews, we
speeches through the phone or via Internet.
intend to explore those
competencies, which are essentials to the successful
future
development
and
performance, in accordance with KPMG’s values. Important competencies are client orientation, good written and spoken communication skills and proactivity.
occasionally
Moreover, I
organise
conference
can say that the
working
atmosphere is pretty motivating and lively at KPMG. One reason for that is we have a lot of young colleagues and the communication and cooperation between generations are easy. What is more, I face new challenges day by day from which I learn a lot, I really feel that “my
5
brain is working” and the expectations are high
long run as well as to the quick personal
as well.
development.
CBJ: Referring back to knowledge sharing,
Nevertheless, we consciously support our
does it happen sometimes that for example
colleagues to find their work/life balance.
Hungarian KPMG colleagues help to provide solution in a foreign project by moving to the given country for the time of the project?
forms,
being
applied
considering
the
specifications of the given field of business. For
Márti: Yes, of course, there are such kinds of
instance the opportunity of flexible working
projects.
time, part-time job, and teleworking are offered
I would underscore that our energy and utility
at KPMG.
advisory group works as a global centre of
CBJ: What kind of other tools do you use to
excellence.
help the colleagues find the balance?
In present, the Hungarian and South-African
Márti: On the one hand, we ensure the
office joined forces to lead a project and among
opportunity to do several sports, such as
the frames of the cooperation, one of our
basketball, football and volleyball all the year
colleagues moved to the South-African Republic
round.
and we have a South-African colleague here in Hungary.
On the other hand, we organise sport and health-care day every year. During these days,
The question, in which factors KPMG differs
the colleagues can take part in preventive
from the competitors, is asked several times by
screening test and compete in different team
students.
games.
My general answer is that the industrial
Certainly, we attach importance to the offsite
specialization is strong at KPMG, of which
activities as well, we organise parties, too.
standard has an international reputation; it allows that our colleagues are able to acquire an internationally outstanding work experience. CBJ: What about the work/life balance?
CBJ: What do you like to do in your free time? Márti: In present days, my hobby is my little son, who is 3 years old. That is why I am constantly paying attention to the work/life
Márti: It is an interesting question and a little
balance, so that we could spend more and
bit controversial in itself.
more time together.
When people join us,- if they start as trainees,
I like running, I like mountains and we make a
they experience during the three-month-long
lot of trips. Nowadays I have less time for going
period, if they start as assistants they are told
to the theatre and reading, but actually, I do
on company presentations and open days- that
not mind because spending time with my boy is
high performance and hard work are necessary
the greatest happiness.
to acquire the work experience needed in the
6
We introduced a lot of atypical employment
Student Alumni Mentorship Program When you need a hand... by Kinga Jentetics CEMS has a diverse Alumni Program. Members Do you feel that sometimes you need a hand to be successful in your life? When you are a starter, you are always looking for some mentors, just like in our first year who helped us how to get along
set their heart on making this program alive and successful: they organized a lot of events for CEMSies to give an insight into some corporate partners’ everyday life or just to give some excellent advice how to utilize our skills and possibilities.
in the university life. CEMS is a
The
great community which provides
Program) was organized with the objective to
you a lot of opportunities to get
build your career prospects and get a clearer
well prepared for the real life and
look into your specialization. Four different
not to lose your mind...
groups offered you the field of your special
SAMP
(Student
Alumni
Mentorship
interest – Advisory, Finance and Banking, Strategy, Marketing/Sales/Commerce. Every group had its own leader(s) from the professional area to learn from an authentic source. You can see in the box below who were the SAMP mentors in 2010.
SAMP mentors in 2010: Balázs Horváth - The Boston Consulting Group Éva Kispál - Magyar Telekom Bence Gábor - Ford Hungária Zsófia Andai - Procter & Gamble Edit Réti - Procter & Gamble Júlia Stark - McKinsey & Company 7
These SAMP meetings are not developed to get
marketing
was
supported
by
the
exact industrial knowledge or data – it is about
Marketing/Sales/Commercial group with the
to improve your skills and learn some new
managers from Procter & Gamble (Zsófia
tactics which can help you for instance at a job
Andai, Edit Réti). We could choose what fields
interview. Of course, building relationships with
are in our focus or what topics were neglected
leaders from your specialization is always an
at the university. In addition, they helped us to improve our interview skills knowing what are expected at a personal interview. Furthermore, we could solve a case study related to P&G as well during these meetings.
... everything organised by SAMP is ABOUT and FOR you. If you have exact ideas or thoughts what you would like to get from these meetings, you just have to ask.
To sum up, if you are one of the new or older CEMSies, or you are just thinking about becoming a CEMSie, do not forget about this excellent
possibility
to
professional and personal skills.
outstanding result – these informal meetings can give you this advantage as well. What is important to mention that no one controls you how your meetings were going or what things you learnt. You cannot forget: everything organised by SAMP is ABOUT and FOR you. If you have exact ideas or thoughts on what you would like to get from these meetings, you just have to ask. Personally, my experiences from SAMP meeting are
8
remarkable.
My
special
interest
in
develop
your
Winter Camp, Eger, 5-7 March 2010 by Istvรกn Mag
As a newcomer my first experience about CEMS life was the winter camp, and honestly, it was determining. It was the first time to meet elder CEMSies and alumni, so, it was a great chance to get to know how things are going here. During the three days I had plenty of conversations with elder, experienced CEMSies, who shared a lot of interesting information and facts with me and because of the company presentations held by P&G, Exxon Mobil and Budapest Bank, I caught sight of professional advantages of the program; however, it was of secondary importance. The main goal of this three-day camp was to make the community tighter and to make the adaptation of newcomers easier. I suppose this mission was accomplished thanks to the cheerful sightseeing competition around Eger, the fascinating wine tasting and last but not least, the parties we had, especially the karaoke night. All in all, I am convinced we had a great time in spite of the numbing cold. Now let the pictures speak for themselves.
9
10
Presentation Skills Seminar by Dávid Széles mentor
was
Mr.
Viktor
presentation.
Before
you
Schmidt whose interest in
read the description of the
Holding Presentations.
presentational skills served as
categories
Everyone is familiar
a
he
Viktor’s presentation take a
with the experience. If I
completed a course solely on
small break and just think
a s k ed
question
his merit of holding 45
about your strengths and
acquiring
minute presentations each
weaknesses concerning your
week
ability
the
whether presentation
skills
great
help
during
when
his
CEMS
along our university
exchange
semester
years was a key to our
Warsaw.
Having
future
introduced
to
structure,
by
to
in
perform or to design. First
also
and foremost we all have to
in
completed two semesters at
possess a clear and unbiased
today’s business life
the University of Southern
idea about ourselves. After
most probably I would
California Viktor conveyed
that each of us can decide
get a positive answer.
the essence of his experience
what kind of skills are in need
In the following pages
on mastering presentation
of improvement.
of the CEMS Journal
skills in an 8 hour slide show.
you will be introduced
His ideas centered around
to the main topics of
how
the Presentation Skills
presentation in a way that
Seminar. I hope that
gives the audience a lasting
you will find some easy
impression.
to master practicalities
seminar into three parts we
worth thinking about.
were introduced to the three
success
core
to
structure
one’s
Dividing
attributes
of
the
a
presenter. In the following you will find some of Viktor’s Given
that
perfecting
presentation techniques is of major interest for people involved
in
the
business
world, it was of no surprise that
the
seminar
was
duplicated in two one day sessions in order to host the numerous
applicants.
Our
advices on these three core attributes.
The
Writer
part
of
a
presenter is responsible for creating the structure of the presentation. In other words these are the skills one uses to mould the content of one’s thoughts in a way that the audience
will
appreciate.
Viktor pointed out
that
when
No matter whether you are a born Writer, an Actor or a Designer you will need to perfect your skills in these categories in order to make a lasting impression with your
11
structuring
a
presentation
remember a movie scene you
have a deeper influence on
one should always start by
really like. Why have you
55% of us. Keeping eye
stating one’s point and at the
chosen that specific part?
contact is clearly one of the
same
the
Mostly because during that
focus
audience’s motivation. Using
scene you were glued to your
presenters.
the W.I.I.F.M. method, see
seat, not daring to blink
looking at one’s slides one
box to the left for details, will
fearing that you would miss
should try to determine the
enable
a
out on something important.
others’ eye colour by holding
presentation that is worth
So what’s the secret, why
eye contact for a few seconds
the audience’s time.
have you paid such close
with every person in the
attention to the details of
room. However, if you are
that scene? Most probably
not a born Actor than it is a
because
good idea to watch videos of
time
assessing
you to create
Presentation Tool Kit
you
were
points
of
good
Rather
than
W.I.I.F.M.: What’s In It
emotionally hooked and you
presenters
For Me. Keep in mind your
were expecting a twist in the
Obama, President Reagan,
story.
S.U.C.C.E.S.
Steve Jobs or anyone for that
criteria, see box to the left,
matter who is a crowd-
audience’s before
motivation starting
to
The
like
provides a comprehensive yet
winner
your
easy to use idea on how to
presentations.
good
build up the momentum of
presenter does not want
your presentation and create
to talk about himself and
a structure that will have the
structure presentation.
A
his ideas; he puts the audience first by striving to talk to them.
Concrete,
Simple, Credible, Emotional,
Story. These are the main points to reflect on if you want to create a lasting impression
along. Having said this, it is important to highlight that it is not possible to win every
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.: Unexpected,
audience listening to you all
on
your
audience
person in a room with your story, so do not be put down if someone in the back row is busy downloading files to his laptop.
his
Unlike the Writer part the Actor
part
presentation
of can
one’s be
improved in the short term. Viktor’s experience is that altering your tone of speech for a month by practicing presentations will give you a more confident feeling when presenting before a larger audience. Funny as it may sound but you can also bolster your actor ways when
attention and has no problem
you are telling stories to
with involving the audience.
friends.
As Viktor said, studies show presentation only makes a
12
with
A born Actor is the centre of
that while the content of the But how can you be sure that
lasting impression on 17 out
the way you structure your
of 100 people, visualities
ideas will really stick? Try to
President
The Designer part of us, the last of Viktor’s core presenter attributes, is responsible for creating the layout, choosing the
typography
and
the
colour of the slides. When
themselves,
perceive
If you liked the article then do
thinking
about
to
public exchange of ideas from
not forget to take a glimpse
visualize
your
you
a different point of view.
at Viktor Schimdt’s personal
the
Their basic social skills as well
website,
following: keep your design
as
emotional
www.viktorpresentation.com
simpler
initial
intelligence serve as a better
, which offers even more
thoughts but do not end up
starting point for holding
advices on how to be a better
with a no-frills version. Easy
presentations.
presenter!
should
how ideas
consider than
your
to say you might think. Not at all difficult if you use the same starting pattern for each slide (e.g. 3x3 matrix with a little margin until the brim).
Typography
takes
some time and experience to master but it all comes down to choosing the write style to highlight those ideas which you think are important. Differentiating between the serif and sans serif type of letters is one way to highlight your thoughts on the slides.
they
their
Maybe that is why those teams finish in a better position at case studies who manage
to
involve
their
A good presenter …
audience even though they
keep
solutions? No one can tell for be aware of your areas of
hooked,
improvement
matter
proactively
and to
act create
those specific areas.
one,
the
more
international the better, to see how the experts use letters
to
make
the
difference. Having spent some time in the US Viktor also told me that American students are much more active when it comes
to
what
presentation is
has a so called inspirational potential
that
will have you
time to typography so if you
borrow
no
the topic of his
situations in which you can motivate yourself to practice
the
audience
sure, however, it is advised to
magazines, devote a lot of
your next slide then just
charismatic,
has a power to
might not have the best
Magazines, mostly fashion
are at odds with designing
is
thinking about
Books
his words and
If you became interested in finding out more on how to improve your presentation abilities then the following books are definitely for you!
WRITER: MADE TO STICK ACTOR: EXCEPTIONAL PRESENTER DESIGNER: PRESENTATION ZEN
wonder
how
you
can
implement
his
advices in your own life
presents for the audience
not
for himself
expressing
13
CEMS Conference on Social Entrepreneurship The Business of Non-Business A Dive into the World of Non-Profit by Dávid Széles
Conferences by description are social gatherings where wellestablished pundits hold presentations to the interested audience. Maybe not a thesaurus approach to conferences but certainly true for the CEMS Club Budapest Conference on Social Entrepreneurship hosted 4th May, at Budapest Corvinus University.
In 2010 CEMS Club Budapest
“It is not uncommon that
wanted
corporations
to
organize
a
use
their
conference on a topic that is
charitable
rarely featured in our books
improve their competitive
from which we study at the
context, that is the quality
universities.
of
of the business environment
start
in the location where they
thought
This
led
us
brainstorming
way to
about
a
efforts
to
operate”.
structure for a number of presentations related to social entrepreneurship. Our aim
Although western parts of
was to shed some light on the
Europe are teeming with such
field
entrepreneurship
where
activities
non-business
meet
business
Hungary
cannot boast about having a
activities. As a result, we
wide
started to look for companies
entrepreneurs. However, we
which have a mission of
still
satisfying existing social needs
presenters on varying topics
by their services and putting
from the non-business issues
their
of business. As you will see
profit
generation
capability second on the list. As Michael Porter notes in the 2002 December issue of the Harvard Business Review:
net compiled
of a
social list
of
our guests came from such diverse institutions
companies as
and IFUA
Horvath&Partners Non-Profit Kft, Hotel Panda, the Követ Association and last but not
14
least we had two guest
the proper definition of the
hotel managed to create an
speakers
SAIP
benefiteds’ problems. As it
atmosphere
Institute of the University of
turns out most organizations
mentally
St Thomas.
do not really know whether
challenged men and women
from
the
they
where and
both
physically
need
can go around doing jobs like
improvement
being a chef or a receptionist.
or not. This
He stressed the point that his
makes
the
employees are perfectly apt
first phase of
at the job they do. Most of
consultants’
Hotel Panda employees speak
work,
goal
two languages or more, which
setting
in itself is more than the
tremendously
average
Hungarian
worker
IFUA
difficult and has a strong
can claim. The hotel’s high
Horvath&Partners Non-Profit
influence on how IFUA Non
level
Kft. Mr. Csaba Bakó spoke
Profit starts to analyze the
demonstrated by the perfect
about the business model, the
problems of the benefited
feedback from the guests
projects and the know-how of
organizations.
over
On
behalf
of
a company whose mission is to help overcome Hungary’s most pressing social problems by
developing
non-profit
organisations for free. The company’s business model relies on the financial support of companies and individuals that allocate resources for the successful completion of the project, the low-cost nonprofit
specialized
services
offered by IFUA Non-Profit and finally the needs of the
Having a strong bond with one of the biggest Hungarian consulting companies enables Mr.
Bakó
command
of
service
the
years.
is
also
Amongst
others Hotel Panda won the BCG award for outstanding social entrepreneurship.
to a
comprehensive know-how pool on organizational development. It was interesting to see how this accrued business know-how can be of
Tóth Gergely’s presentation
use in projects like promoting
on the sustainable growth of
Mr. Bakó mentioned that the
full-time,
today’s
problem is usually not with
voluntary services or public
breath of fresh air, while at
getting the financial backing
education.
the same time stirring some
benefited.
for the projects. The main reason why a project cannot be successfully finished lies in
cross-cultural,
Owner and founder of Hotel Panda, Mr. Béla Kocsy held a moving presentation how his
economy
controversy
was
among
a
the
members of the audience. The
founder
of
Követ
15
the abbreviation of Self-
responsible entrepreneurship.
Assessment
Our guest speakers raised
&
Improvement Process, is a
stressed
the
responsibility of using the
systematic self-appraisal
comprehensive know-how of
that
the consulting companies for
helps
executives
the
growing
the
benefit
of
social
that
expectation that firms will
organizations. Another point
companies need not only a
conduct their affairs in an
is that employing physically or
helping hand but also an inner
ethically responsible manner.
mentally
control to keep our economy
The success of SAIP can be
workforce should not be an
sustainable. Obsession with
put down to consumer driven
uncommon
possession was one of the
markets where consumers do
since
keywords of his presentation.
think that larger corporations
experience
shows
Limiting
of
carry more responsibility with
motivated
and
imported goods that could be
their activities. The process
themselves
in
produced on home soil was
also has a quantitative side
atmosphere these people will
just one of his points related
that is based on the Baldrige
constitute
to cutting back costs spent on
method to transform a set of
employees.
logistics. He said that he
ethical
obsession to possess and
would
structured
the
have
number
his
students
principles
into
inventory
a of
challenged phenomenon,
Hotel
finding
Panda’s that finding a
good
wonderful Curbing
the
the
ecologically
collect foreign products that
questions in connections with
optimal way to manage an
are totally unnecessary items
the most problematic areas
economy
on the Hungarian market.
(you
quantitative
Take grape imported from
information on the structure
ensure that company policies
New Zealand for example. Is it
of
are ethical also formed a part
really worthwhile to consume
www.stthomas.edu).
goods
with
a
can
find SAIP
more at
while
using
methods
to
of the conference. As an
whopping
organiser
of
the
ecological footprint that we
event I sincerely hope
could otherwise buy on the
that
local market?
and our dear readers
on the importance of
the SAIP Institute focused on processes
that
they
are
socially
which
companies can use to ensure integrating
ethical principles into their operations. SAIP, coming from
audience
thoughts with them
and Arnie Weimerskirch from the
our
will take home a few
Finally, Mr Thomas Maines
16
about
comprehensive,
address Association
questions
responsible
entrepreneurship. We were happy to have presenters
from
various
academic and business fields promoting
socially
A Skill Seminar to remember = Siem en s Mana gem ent C o ns ulting + C EMS C lub Vienna by Réka Domonkos
„Varietas delectat”
This event lasted two days on
competition
with
27th/28th of May 2010 and
consultant
firms
other so
was a perfect program to
competitive
Professionally
boost up the exam period.
suggestions are ensured that
organised – as they
Two of us participated from
way.
are German with the
Corvinus
center in Munich
Budapest and about 20 others
Personal experiences
mainly studying in Vienna
of the consultants – as
University of Economics and
they wanted us to be
Business.
aware
what
were from e.g. Poland, Czech
by
Republic, Bulgaria, Germany,
consultancy Siemens means Facing
University
People
solution
of
originally
Israel and also from Austria.
The program was built up very well. At first we were led through the Siemens Mobility Plant in Simmering, Vienna.
an Management
The big parts of numerous
study with lots of
Consulting (SMC) is an in-
public transportation vehicles
missing information –
house consulting service of
are manufactured here like
as that is what they
Siemens
trams or trains. We could see
unstructured
case
Siemens
AG.
It
is
in
do CEMS students with different nationalities – as the community is the great advantage of CEMS
17
how they are glued, painted
out the widely used American
huge work load – it is true.
and made up of the bottom
personality test, the MBTI
However, work/life balance is
part, the middle part and of
(extrovert
manageable.
the roof. Above the fact that
thinking or feeling etc.) with
it was really interesting to see
the aim to help us understand
the manufacturing of those
our own and the others’
vehicles which we travelled
behaviour in teams.
an hour ago on, it turned out to me later why it definitely had to
be
part
of
the
program. The products of Siemens
and
orientation
technology
are
strongly
related to SMC. SMC is not
Until
-
then
or
introvert,
the second day. After playing
we
had
an
about the others, and spent a time with ourselves
deeper inside. But what is SMC?
short night we were ready for the second day. It was held in the Vienna University of Economics and Business and began with a soft skill seminar about giving
the destination of a career
It was explained through the
the right feedback and the
but a stop towards a Siemens
presentation
way
management position.
consultants in the elegant
interview. We learned that a
Steigenberger Hotel. SMC has
good feedback consists of
about
consultants
three parts: observation, the
worldwide with locations in
effect (what the behaviour
Munich, New York, Beijing,
causes) and the suggestion. I
and Mumbai. They also offer
liked the way they made us
internships after a thorough
understand this. After a little
selection process.
theory the two consultants
After our first spontaneous introductions to each other among
the
manufactured
vehicles we had the chance soon to see our group as a whole in the near meeting room with the HR assistant.
of
150
two
Find a partner and introduce
Later during the dinner we
him/her to the others! It is
surrounded
simple but works very well as
consultants
a game. We were also asked
assistant who sat at three
to express our expectations
different tables. This was the
about the weekend. We filled
time for asking all the work
the and
two the
HR
related questions and
also
of
conducting
an
made a role play. The ”boss” railed at the “employee” in an arrogant way. We were asked to share our observations what was not right compared to an ideal situation. In the second part we were
the
taught about the correct way
personal
of asking questions in an
things e.g. trying
interview. It is simply a talking
to find out if a
of course between two or
consultant has a
more people, nothing special,
private life… In
but
exchange
for
suggestions worth following.
variety there is
Both content related - as clear
more
18
tables to have enough rest for kicker in the hostel and a
impression about Siemens, little
At about 11 pm we left our
there
are
some
goals,
priorities
-
and
landing with an airplane to
clearly defined bunch of facts
- like
time
the conference in the city
but in a situation being full of
frame - issues are important.
where we got the basic
uncertainty by asking the
Do
the
instructions. First package of
right questions.
interview, make an opening
diagrams, tables, numbers…
with time frame, reasons and
goals as a dialogue, leave
characteristics
room for your interviewee!
interview
Make a summary of the
specialists for different fields
results!
“Why?”
like lighting or finances… The
questions as e.g. if they say:
first 10 minutes interview in
“we could not do it”. A simple
pairs on the phone in a
“Why?” will be followed by
separate
defensive reactions. For open
questions – everything is so
questions you will get open
complex, not too much idea
All of us tried to do our best
answers which are not that
what the focus should be, if
to present our solutions. We
useful. Try to use more
we should follow what the
got praise and critics and they
precise
organisational not
jump
into
Avoid
about of
partners
room,
the the
4 Avoid “Why?” questions as e.g. if they say: “we could not do it”. A simple “Why?” question will be followed by defensive reactions
being
asking
questions
and
specialist suggests or not… 10
also showed us the solution of
explain
your
minutes are over, reporting to
the real Siemens consultants.
background – why you’re
the other half of our team, as
It was a great fun but also a
asking it. Your agenda needs
they might need our newly
real brain-training.
to be relatively flexible, all of
received information to go
you should have a feeling that
into details with the financial
it all will lead to somewhere.
specialist.
sometimes
It all was a preparation for the case, an unstructured but very well prepared task to find the way to reduce the greenhouse gas emission of
There
were
altogether four interviews for each consultant groups, we always got some additional information on papers if we asked for them. Only then.
After saying good-bye and thank you it was good to know that these CEMSies would be familiar next time in the next challenging CEMS event. Travelling home after visiting the Stephan’s Dom I felt
such
a
pleasant
an imagined city with 60 %.
Fast thinking… Uncertainty…
exhaustion. This weekend was
The mayor intended to win
Team members with different
definitely worth. I do not
the elections coming soon
amount of experience and
need to think what I did at the
and asked more consultancy
different
mentality…
last weekend of May. And all
companies – represented by
Interviewees playing a helpful
this for absolutely free of
us divided into 4-5 members
or a rejective role… Real-life
charge.
groups
simulation representing the
-
for
solution
suggestions.
work of a consultant: building
The show went on… Perfect simulation
of
flying
and
up
a
logical,
competitive
solution not based on a
I really recommend you to show up at such events as these might be the spice of your colourful
CEMS life.
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Humanitarian week - Poker for Africa MAKE A DIFFERENCE! by István Mag As probably everybody who
is
reading this article knows CEMS is not only a professional
but
a
social community as well; we are aware that we are part of the
world
and
together we can do something for it. We want
to
make
a
difference. One of the ways to make difference is the School for Africa project which is carried out in cooperation with UNICEF and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. During the Humanitarian week CEMS Clubs organized events to raise funds to finance the project and to spread awareness. For example, the CEMS Club Budapest arranged a pro-bono poker championship (see pictures below). Nevertheless, the poker competition was not the most interesting and exciting part of the evening. We had a guest speaker, Marta Milkowska (coming from Poland and having spent her CEMS abroad term in Budapest), who took part in a project, and actually led it (it is a long story how she got involved), which was similar to the ongoing CEMS project. Namely, Marta and company built up a boarding school for the Masaai people living in Maji Moto, next to the boarder of Kenya and Tanzania. In the followings you can read the story of Marta’s €100,000 project briefly.
20
A boarding school was of the utmost need in Maji Moto because if only public school exists, the girls go home, get circumcised and never go back to learn since according to the Kenyan law it is prohibited for circumcised girls to go to school. Thus it was of major importance to keep them at school and to let them acquire knowledge because Masaai men live in polygamy, but girls can never get married for the second time which means that if a girl gets married to an old man and the man dies some years later, the girl will be left alone uneducated with a little child or children and at the mercy of other Masaai men. You can easily imagine how devastating the situation is for them. But in case if they receive education they can do something with themselves and make ends meet (you may find additional information about the Masaai village and culture on the next page).
Facts & Info
Besides the construction of a school building, the project aimed to trigger some kind of cultural change: a progress towards the acceptance of
In Sub-Saharan Africa alone, 45
gender equality and hygiene consciousness. But
million children do not have the
at the same time the preservation of Masaai
opportunity to receive basic
traditions was also important. Among others it
education.
means that they did not let the tourism be industrialized, calling the project sustainable ecodevelopment.
CEMS’s goal is to raise €65,000 by the CEMS annual event 2010 held in Rotterdam.
Due to the successful cooperation between Masaai people and Polish students, after six months the school was built up and cultural change was set up. Now the Masaai people are running the school on their own and making it better and better.
We have already collected €45,365.21 with the lead of CEMS Club Rotterdam. www.schoolsforafrica.com/home.htm http://www.cems.org/humanprojects /schools/index.php?m=2&sm=4 Maji Moto’s website: http://www.majimoto.org/ Marta’s website: http://milkowska.pl/ Contact: marta.milkowska@gmail.com Donation Bank Account: 06 1090 1636 0000 0001 0122 2762
21
Hearing Marta’s impressive presentation the following words came to my mind: Passion Sacrifice Challenge Leadership Cultural tolerance Philanthropy. Isn’t it wonderful to have it all? Marta keeps an eye on the Masaai village in the future, too. What is more, she organizes a donation to a little girl, called Negiti, a daughter of a widow. Marta wants to provide a financial support to her education that is why she gave me a bank account number and an email address, which you can find on the previous page. Intending to help or being interested, please feel free to contact her on the given addresses. Finally, let me share Nelson Mandela’s Message of Hope with you:
“The generosity of the human
spirit
can
overcome all adversity. Through compassion and caring we can create hope”. (this very same message can be heard from the mouth of Nelson Mandela himself on the track of Siphiwo Ntshebe, which is an official music of the FIFA World Cup 2010).
22
The main characteristics of the Masaai village and culture: People living in mud houses without utilities Wild animals in the surrounding areas No hygiene Serious gender inequality Circumcision Polygamy Most of the men speak English and Swahili language as well, but most of the women only speak the Masaai language
CEMS Summer Festival 2010 by Anna Mészáros and Kornélia Bodnár
CEMS Club Budapest is happy to announce the
Besides
Sziget
various
other
exciting
CEMS Summer Festival 2010, which will take
programmes will be offered. Participants can get
place in Budapest between 12th and 15th of
acquainted with the Hungarian cuisine, wine and
August 2010. The Festival is organized for the
Pálinka culture; they can discover the beautiful
fourth year in a row with the aim of creating an
city of Budapest with its historical baths and
international get-together for CEMSies and
buildings and have a boat trip on the River
introducing Hungary and Budapest to the
Danube.
incoming students with several interesting and country specific programmes.
CEMS Club Budapest recommends this event for all CEMS Students and Alumni around the world.
As each year, the Sziget Festival will serve as a background of the event. Sziget is one of the
Especially for graduating students who can
largest music and cultural festivals in Europe
benefit from this fun event and meet again their
with around 400 000 participants. It boasts more
old CEMS buddies, and the newly joined
than 1000 world class performances each year
CEMSies who can begin their socialization before
such as Iron Maiden, R.E.M., Jamiroquai, Alanis
the blocked seminars.
Morissette, The Killers, Lily Allen, The Prodigy, Placebo, Faith No More.
Still hesitating?
23
CEMS Summer Festival offers you: A great opportunity to meet up! Friends from exchange, from blocked seminars, Forums and new coming students who will start their CEMS experience in September, we can all meet and enjoy the summer together! Various and unforgettable programs! Take a cultural and historical tour in Budapest, the Hungarian capital and its surroundings with Pálinka and wine tasting and traditional cuisine experience. Enjoy world class concerts at Sziget Festival ranked among the Top10 European major festivals. Fun, fun, and fun! Want to get a taste of Hungary? Want to start your CEMS experience with an international summer event? Get “infected” by the “CEMSie” feeling early enough! Come and live the CEMS experience at the CEMS Summer Festival 2010!
For further information, you can check our webpage: hungary.cemsclub.org 12-15 August, save the date in your calendar! We hope to meet you there!
CEMS Club Budapest Anna Mészáros Kornélia Bodnár cemssummerfestival@gmail.com
24
Newcomers’ High Expectations Zsófia Szanyi, RSM Fall Semester During my BA studies I have already taken part in a foreign language program,
Deutschsprachiger
Studiengang
in
Betriebswirtschaftslehre, at Corvinus. I hope that like in that program the participants will forge close friendships and create a microcosmos of its own in the melting pot of our university. I am looking forward to the new experience which I will gain at Rotterdam. I would like to broaden my knowledge not only in my present field of marketing studies but also in areas which I feel I need to improve in. Like in every foreign trip I would like to learn, see, and experience as much as possible. Last but not least, I expect that with my CEMS knowledge I will have a competitive advantage over my peers.
Renáta Ondok, RSM Fall Semester I will spend my Fall semester in the Netherlands at Rotterdam School of Management. This period will definitely be a challenge for me both professionally and personally. I have already spent some time working abroad for several months, so adapting to a new country, new people and habits will hopefully not be a problem. However, I expect this experience to be a bit different – studying, taking part in lessons and exams require harder work and the ability to think in English for a longer time. RSM is one of the hardest schools even among the selected CEMS universities, so former students alerted me to be ready for big workload as this is not the school for having rest during the semester. This is exactly the reason why I chose RSM: I wish to experience how high the level of education is in the western countries and also to extend my limits while developing significantly in finance and management, the well-known specialities of RSM.
25
The country itself also really attracts me. I have never been to the Netherlands before but I am fond of flowers and the countryside and on the other hand I am looking forward to getting to know a maritime nation with such an interesting history, so it seems a perfect target country from cultural point of view, too. In addition, Rotterdam is one of the biggest harbours in the world and also a university city where bicycle is a must, thus there is a big change after Budapest which I wish to explore! Altogether I expect this semester to be very hard but adventurous, hopefully with active social life and a lot of excursions in a nice community.
Kinga Jentetics, HSG Spring Semester
To be a member of CEMS was one of my goals when I entered the institute of Corvinus University of Budapest. Is it familiar to you always being maximalist and wanting to achieve more and more, thinking about an international level? Well, if you have this kind of characteristics, you’ll surely enjoy the life of CEMS. On the other hand, HSG and Switzerland was an old dream for me as well, not just because of the top-ranking of this university (CEMS universities are always above the mean ď Š), but because of getting to know the Swiss culture and people, how they are thinking, moreover, learning SwitzerdĂźtsch, and last but not least making international friendships. Of course, the professional possibilities due to CEMS are very attractive for me, but no one should forget that CEMS-MIM is a community where you can make new friends all around the world and you can experience the cultural differences and similarities in front of your eyes. So I am looking forward to meeting you guys somewhere in the world!
26
Dávid Széles, SSE Fall Semester I am looking forward to my CEMS studies as a real challenge. Having always been open for new opportunities I hope I will gain valuable experience both from a personal as well as from a professional point of view. I think that testing one’s skills on an international playground is altogether different to performing well in tasks at our original university, in well-known circumstances. Learning to adapt to new situations, forging new friendships, learning from my fellow students’ different perception of business life and finally finding out whether my knowledge is up to an international level are my points that I would like to highlight as my expectations.
István Mag, HSG Fall Semester
The reasons why I chose to spend my abroad term in St. Gallen, Switzerland were the possibility to improve my German and the top-ranked university where I will have the chance to attend the courses which are of my greatest interest. I find this semester a great opportunity to put my capabilities to the test and also to get to learn a lot new things. Besides, I would be happy to make friends with a lot of international students. That is why I expect a highstandard education and several exciting social programs. One thing is for sure, if the CEMS community in St. Gallen is as good as it is in Hungary I will have a great time there!
27
Message from far ... Greetings from Dublin by Orsi Rétallér
I spent the Spring semester of 2009/2010 academic year at the University College of Dublin (UCD). Although my memories remain unforgettable, I find it quite hard to express them in words. Nonetheless I will try to sum up my story in Ireland.
don’t be fooled even when
where they will try to resolve
you know where to look for
delays as early as possible.
cheaper
apartments,
the
application itself is not a
Life in Dublin
straightforward process. An advice for anyone going to UCD; do not spend time replying
to
ads
on
the
internet, www.daft.ie. Giving landlords a call, preferably through Skype service, is the only way to make sure that
The journey to Dublin and before
one will have an apartment. I do want to stress the use of Skype
one’s
Dublin is an expensive city
Before parting to Dublin I had
communication will cost a lot
whether we are talking about
plenty of things to take care
of money. After countless
the price of food, renting an
of. Namely, I had to finish all
hours of searching for an
apartment or using mass
my exams before the third
apartment
transportation.
in
end
week of January since Spring
Transportation is especially
semester starts awkwardly
apartment where I was also
pricey that is why I suggest
early at UCD. Moreover, I had
babysitter. Having had only
anyone studying here to find
to find myself lodging in
three subjects at UCD I had
an apartment as close to the
Dublin, something that is
plenty
campus as possible. By the
almost impossible if you are
babysitting duties.
way before anyone starts
Concerning the travel side I
wondering about how much
had some problems with my
costs a monthly ticket well I
flight connections. As you
cannot tell you. In Dublin one
might remember the volcanic
has to buy different type of
ash caused chaos in April and
tickets for each kind of
May, and Ryanair is certainly
transportation vehicle.
to
spend
horrendous sums of money on college dorms in the campus. That is why I started looking
for
private
apartments in Blackrock that is situated in the vicinity of the UCD campus. However,
of
accept
I an
prepared
to
the
decided
not
28
otherwise
time
for
my
not one of those airways
The
local
underground is
from an initial cold chill in
soul neither on the corridors
called the Dart, funnily it only
January I could even enjoy the
nor in the lecture halls when I
runs
sunshine,
20-25
visited Blackrock for the first
proper
Celsius, during my last month
time. Later on the campus
underground in Dublin has
in Dublin. During those times I
filled with people but still the
been a long dream of the
really enjoyed taking long
atmosphere did not feel like
Irish. Unfortunately due to
strolls in downtown Dublin
being at a big university. The
the closeness of the sea it
especially so because all the
reason for this is that there
remains an unaccomplishable
tourist sites are located quite
are
feat. So the Dart will probably
near each other.
scattered all over the campus
above
Building
the
ground.
a
remain the only way of fast mass transportation for a while.
meaning
Visiting Dublin on St Patrick’s Day is a really good idea, the
several
for
buildings
graduate
and
undergraduate students.
whole city literally buzzes
During the Spring semester I
Although I really enjoyed my
with
had to cope
stay I have to say that the bus
green clothes is obligatory,
courses. One of them was
lines are something I will
and every Irish sports a funny
naturally the Business Project,
never miss. It happened on
hat, some even go as far as
the other and also a CEMS
more than one occasion that I
wearing Irish elf costumes.
Core
waited for 40 minutes at a
This is where I experienced
Cultural
bus stop whereas anyone
what it is really like when a
third subject was Applied
from the 6 bus lines would
whole city, and by that I mean
Portfolio Management. All the
have been good for me. One
every local and tourist, is
prerequisites
thing that is an advantage of
celebrating.
public in the first week, and
bus lines apart from their elaborate
system
is
that
tickets are quite cheap, well relatively cheap since a 5-day ticket costs 15â‚Ź.
excitement.
Wearing
lot,
The UCD has two campuses one in Belfield the other in The
former
is
The weather at Dublin is also
where
worth
programs take place, the
a
few
sentences.
undergraduate
Contrary to hearsay it does
latter is the home to
not rain more in Ireland than
the so-called Graduate
in Hungary. It is true that the
School. For those who
sky is overcast a lot of times,
are interested CEMS
but rain is not that regular.
program belongs to the
The Spring semester is fairly
subject
was
Management.
were
Cross My
made
although you had to learn a
The University
Blackrock.
with three
the
subjects
were
accomplishable. The level of education was high, I really learned
a
lot
from
this
semester. It was great that whenever anyone of us had a problem our teachers were
Graduate School.
balanced in terms of weather,
I found it curious that I
and the good news is that
did not meet one single
29
always there to help us. Coming to UCD is advisable who want to spend their semester actively, I had to take home projects every week. Furthermore, we also had team projects which we had to hand in by groups. As a result of an active semester I did not have any exams after NEWGRANGE
my 12 weeks of studying.
My Irish Excursions
TRIM CASTLE
I had the chance to visit some nice
places
during
the
semester and probably I will do so this Summer because I am going to Dublin to the family at which I was a babysitter. However, I would share my adventures as of date
because
I
can
recommend all the following sites for those who decide to visit Ireland. You can see my experiences in the following boxes.
Newgrange belongs to the most ancient edifices of the world. Its 5000-year-old history goes back to even before Stonehenge. Scientists can determine the exact location from where the stones of Newgrange came from, but the method of transporting these gigantic rocks from a distance over 50 miles remains a mystery to this day. Newgrange actually resembles a hill the only exception is that the inside this hill can be visited. The inner part of Newgrange, to be more precise the shrine that is located inside the hill, is only lit by sunshine on the shortest days of the Winter solstice. Definitely not a coincidence if one takes into account that Knowth’s and Dowth’s shrines which are found in the vicinity of Newgrange are lit by natural light only on the longest days of the year and during the Autumn solstice. 30
However,
I
memorable
The castle stands in enchanting green surroundings. Trim castle’s construction started in the 11th century, gaining its final form in 1176. It is an enormous edifice which keeps up with the centuries marvellously well. I recommend anyone who’s interested to take the guided tour to the hidden nooks and corners of the ancient castle.
gained experience
HILL OF TARA
during my stay at Dublin and I hope that many of you will consider spending a semester at the University College of Dublin. I could just not get enough of the Irish way of life.
The
scattered
landscape with
is
ancient
buildings and ruins date back to more than 2000 years. On big disadvantage of Ireland is the high price, however, do not let that put you off, since if you manage your time right you will have enough free time besides your studies.
The hill was artificially erected long before Christianity pervaded the Irish lands. This was the venue of crowning ceremonies, but legend has it that the Hill of Tara also served as the seat to the ruling families. The legend also speaks of a stone situated on the top of one of the hillocks which if touched by the king of Ireland will speak aloud.
31
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