Here’s how to earn two degrees and gain professional experience abroad – CEMS is waiting for you

Judit Hedlicska finished her master’s degree studies in business development in 2024. She spent her last semester in Köln thanks to the CEMS’s program. In our interview she told us about her experiences and adventures. 

What is CEMS? 

CEMS is an international management master’s degree program, which was developed by academic and business leaders. For university students it is accessible in 33 countries, at one partner university per country, integrated into one’s university program. Participants earn a Corvinus degree (gained thanks to their chosen master’s degree program) and an international diploma awarded by the CEMS Alliance at the end of their 2-year-long study program, during which they spend one semester at their chosen partner university. 

Motivation 

“I wished to take advantage of the opportunities offered by Corvinus.”

– answered Judit to the question about what motivated her to apply.

“I wanted to finish university knowing that I gained experience and established relationships abroad. CEMS is the perfect combination of the two.”

– she continued. 

Judit wanted to spend her semester abroad in Germany, that is why she applied to the University of Köln.

“I wanted to improve my language skills in German and I heard that the CEMS community is very active there.”

– she said. However, she was a bit surprised that students spoke rather English instead of German when language difficulties came up, but still, she was able to practice with the locals. 

Experiences and adventures 

What did this period give you? 

“First of all, many new friends and international connections in the corporate world. Besides, I gained a better perspective of the everyday life of large corporations/multis.” 

Judit told us that in contrast to average university programs, here students were able to participate in so called “skill seminars” held by external companies, under which they were able to visit the offices of these businesses and could get to know such software and sales techniques, about which they haven’t even heard of at university. “Business projects” allowed them to work on real projects with the corporate partners.

“Really, it felt like we were working on a real consultation project.”

– explained Judit, who even highlighted that this program had a very practical approach, which contributed a lot to her development. 

Community 

“The CEMS community is welcoming and open.”

– Judit started explaining. However later on she elaborated on that as well, that not everything went smoothly at the beginning, because of the easily noticeable language differences. This stemmed from the fact that some had a hard time leaving  their native language behind and only communicated in English.

“After the first one-two weeks practice clearly makes everybody more confident, and vocabulary just sticks with you from those who speak English on a native level.”

– Judit continued. 

The community in Köln organized many social gatherings and casual evening parties inviting companies as well. Judit highlighted one of these as a significant memory of hers, when they took part in a cooking experience along with the partners. The community is organized according to the frameworks of student organizations, meaning it has a president and various divisions. Students can apply for any of the positions, through which they can become more part of the community. Events were able to be carried out in their own clubhouse, which the club reserved. 

Judit said that besides organized programs, she and her friends came up with other activities for themselves. 

“There was a 6-day-long compulsory seminar when we traveled to a little town in Germany. All of it had the vibe of a class trip. During the day we had the chance to take part in lectures about sustainability, held by famous professors from abroad. We went hiking a lot, and partied in the night together with our professors.”

– so did Judit talk about her favorite shared experience. 

She experienced difficulties when it came to cultural differences, since Germans in fact lived their lives at an unusual rhythm, different from hers.

“It’s hard to say it out loud, but they were more diligent and had a different work ethic. This manifested in their education at university as well, one of the characteristics of a German university is that we had more theoretical material. We had to study a lot for the exams as well.”

– shared Judit. However, this had an influence on her own work ethic too, for example she learned to study more effectively, to manage her time better, not to mention that studying together in the library proved to be an excellent social activity. 

At the end of the interview, we asked her what advice she has for those wanting to apply. 

1. CEMS program has a flexibility to it, since two subjects can be completed before the CEMS year, at home. If you choose to do these courses in advance, you can ease your workload and have more free time out there. 
2. During the first few weeks, language differences are hard to handle, but one should not be afraid, everyone soon gets the hang of it and the community is supportive as well.  
3. One must be open to new experiences, because this is how the experience will be complete! Many opportunities arise to make connections, which are worth taking advantage of. 

CEMS Info Party, 17 October – Click here for more information!

CEMS application period: 11-22 November 2024 – Don’t miss out!

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