Critical thinking is one of the keys to a successful future

The University of Debrecen's Institute of Engineering and Business Innovation (MÜZLI) created a double event: at the Learning Center Podium, László Papp, Head of Gartner's Hungarian and Bulgarian Representation, shared his thoughts on the technological challenges of the age, while at the Alumni Party, MÜZLI's Master Teachers and Leaders discussed their experience and career changes with students.

László Papp said at the panel discussion that his aim is to inspire the audience.

- I try to encourage my students to take action, to try something new or to look at things from a different perspective. To show why it is worth for them to keep their eyes open and not be afraid of the fast-changing world," said the former student of the University of Debrecen, who doesn't think it is harder for today's young people than for previous generations, just different. They face different challenges than other  generations had to face earlier.


PODIUM focused on young people and the ever-changing technological and digital world around them. László Papp, Managing Director of i-Tango Ltd. and Head of Gartner's Representation in Hungary and Bulgaria, was joined for a conversation by Attila Ferik, outgoing Senior Director of European Engineering and Product Delivery at ArisGlobal and MÜZLI Master's lecturer.

They discussed the ways technology has evolved in recent years, with a special focus on artificial intelligence and the space industry. As László Papp sees it, people think AI is good for everything. But the future is rather that humans will work together with AI, making them much more productive, so open, augmented intelligence is the real AI.


The topic of home office and workplace task provision was discussed, the advantages and disadvantages of one or the other. The issue of online security and privacy was also raised. The invited speaker stated that we live in a "simulation" that we have created for ourselves, AI just adds another layer. Naturally, the question of how to effectively prepare young people for the use of new technologies was also raised, with László Papp calling attention to the need for critical thinking.

Experts argue that the whole digital ecosystem is a tool for us. We should strive to make our lives better with modern technologies. And at university we can learn how to use different technologies safely and effectively.


Endre Ascsillán, Head of Global Strategy and Government Relations and Head of Business Development at GE Vernova Steam Power I Nuclear New Build, recalled how inspiring it was for them when they were students to hear from a big company leader about their work, their tasks and life.

- We believe that we are doing our job well if we can bring the challenges of everyday life as close as possible to the students, explaining what happens in practice in the jobs we do. It's not so far away for them to enter the so-called real world. We do not question the importance of theoretical education, but sharing practical experience can be a valuable complement to it. We are working to raise students' awareness of critical thinking, because this aspect will also be essential in their own careers," Endre Ascsillán said.


Many of MÜZLI's Master Teachers have recently changed careers, and they shared the background of their decisions  at the Alumni Party. In addition to Endre Ascsillán and Attila Ferik, Gergő Lencsés, former Global Supply Chain Manager of GE, Zsolt Bertalan, former Technology and Innovation Director of MVM Zrt., Attila Dezső, founding lawyer of Cerha Hempel Dezső & Partners Law Firm, and violinist Ino Mirkovic, UNESCO Ambassador, answered questions.

The starting point of the informal, interactive discussion was that there are far more opportunities in the world today than there used to be. The question of the future is fascinating, with a focus on people and how they react to changes in the world, what their motivations are, what their fears are.


There was general agreement that if we make a decision, we should not regret it. Let's travel the road. We always need a goal and a well-constructed concept. The difficulties of building a career in an international company were also discussed, including language barriers. Examples were given from other parts of the world of how things work in countries such as America, Switzerland and Singapore. Dual training was also mentioned, as well as the need to seize the opportunity. The discussion shed light on generational differences, for example in education. The master lecturers, who have an international and global perspective, highlighted the unique position of the University of Debrecen and the city, whose potential could be enhanced by more effective and intensive integration of foreign students by companies.

Press Centre - KSzD