In September 2025, a group of 40 Corvinus University students enrolled in the Entrepreneurship specialization gathered at the headquarters of the Budapest Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BKIK). The event, organised by colleagues from the Department of Enterprise Development and Management, was the fourth of its kind this semester and aimed to strengthen peer connections, deepen relationships with faculty, and sharpen entrepreneurial skills.
Why a Skills‑Development Session at the Chamber Matters
Hungary’s business environment is increasingly dynamic, and students who understand both theory and practice are better positioned to launch successful ventures. The Chamber of Commerce serves as a bridge between academia and the private sector, offering a real‑world context in which to test ideas and receive immediate feedback. Hosting a skills‑development session in this setting underscores the relevance of classroom learning and provides participants with tangible, industry‑relevant experiences.
For the students, the primary goal was simple: create a relaxed setting where classmates and lecturers could interact beyond the rigid structure of a lecture hall. By learning about each other’s personal stories and academic interests, participants were able to form stronger collaboration networks, which can translate into future project teams, mentorship opportunities, and even startup co‑founding partnerships.
Event Highlights: Activities and Lecturer Insights
The day began with a quiz that showcased the personal journeys of seven key lecturers: Katalin Mihalkovné Szakács, Attila Petheő, Krisztofer Szabó, László Kállay, Gábor Kerékgyártó, János Moll, and János Vecsenyi. The questions ranged from professional milestones to anecdotes that illustrated the practical challenges of entrepreneurship. This activity served a dual purpose – it engaged students actively and humanised the faculty, turning them from distant experts into relatable mentors.
Following the quiz, students delivered turns of “fan‑fact” stories. Each story was a playful yet insightful look into the lives of the participants, covering interests outside academia, unique hobbies, or quirky business ideas that had never been put forward in a formal setting. The laughter that erupted from these exchanges reminded everyone that creativity thrives in an environment that encourages humour and open dialogue.
As the evening progressed, the Group moved to a series of light‑hearted activities that tested teamwork, problem‑solving, and strategic thinking. These exercises were designed to simulate high‑pressure scenarios that budding entrepreneurs often face – negotiating a partnership, sourcing funding, or pivoting a product concept in response to market feedback.
The event concluded with refreshments, including a pizza dinner, provided by the BKIK in collaboration with the Youth Enterprise Support Society. The meal offered a relaxed atmosphere for informal networking, allowing students to discuss sliding slides into real‑world applications of their coursework.
Maximizing Your Impact: Preparing for and Following Up on These Events
To get the most out of a hands‑on event, preparation starts before the participants arrive at the venue. Students can review brief biographies of the lecturers and prepare thoughtful questions. A structured list of queries – ranging from startup advice to career planning – ensures engagement during Q&A portions.
1. Create a Personal Pitch
Develop a concise statement about your academic focus and a related business aspiration. When the conversation shifts to networking, having a clear pitch will allow you to articulate your value quickly and invite meaningful follow‑ups.
2. Bring a Portfolio of Ideas
Whether it’s a business plan draft, a prototype, or a market analysis worksheet, tangible artifacts give potential collaborators and mentors a concrete frame of reference. They also serve as conversation starters that can lead to mentorship or co‑founding discussions.
3. Engage with Mentors Constructively
Approach each lecturer mindful of their time limits. A focused question that mentions a specific course concept or a real‑life challenge you’re facing often elicits actionable advice that can be applied directly to your projects.
4. Capture Reflections Immediately
After the event, take time to jot down key takeaways from each activity. Reflecting on which parts of the day resonated most will help you identify recurring themes that could inform the direction of your academic or entrepreneurial journey.
Networking Beyond the Event: Leveraging the Chamber and Enterprise Community
The benefits of the event extend far beyond the immediate interactions. The Budapest Chamber of Commerce regularly hosts workshops, industry seminars, and networking breakfasts. By maintaining an active presence, students can classify themselves as engaged participants in the Hungarian business ecosystem.
Continued engagement with the Chamber facilitates access to:
- Insight into regulatory changes affecting startups in Hungary.
- Tri‑annual reports on industry trends that can tune curriculum relevance.
- Mentorship programmes that pair students with experienced business leaders.
- Collaborative research grants that integrate academic courses with industry needs.
The university’s relationship with the Chamber also offers a dual narrative – students receive a practical perspective, while the Chamber benefits from fresh academic insight that can inform its support services.
Next Steps for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Students who observed the strength of peer collaboration and industry engagement might consider diving deeper into Corvinus’ Entrepreneurial Programmes. The university’s rigorous curriculum, combined with real‑world partnerships, creates a fertile environment for nurturing the next generation of Hungarian business leaders.
Explore the full range of Corvinus University programs and see how they align with your entrepreneurial goals.
Engage with the Community and Expand Your Reach
Networking is a continuous process. Join organisations such as the Youth Enterprise Support Society, attend Chamber events, and participate in niche communities within the university’s Makerspace. Each interaction increases your visibility and opens new avenues for collaboration.
For more information on how to connect with industry professionals and support your startup journey, contact Corvinus University’s career support office. They can guide you through internship placements, mentorship matching, and grant application procedures.
Learn More About Corvinus’ Corporate Partnerships
Corvinus University’s corporate partnership strategy aligns with key Hungarian chambers, ensuring students have unique access to venture capital, advisory services, and pilot programmes. These partnerships extend the impact of classroom learning into actionable entrepreneurial outcomes.
Discover how our corporate partners are shaping the curriculum and read case studies on student‑led projects that have evolved into successful businesses.
Share Your Experience and Inspire Others
If you found recent events beneficial, consider writing a short reflection or sharing your insights on Corvinus’ internal blog. Other students will benefit from your observations, and you’ll reinforce your own learning.
Submit your personal reflection or start a discussion on the corporate partnership experience.
Wrap‑Up: Applying Skills Development to Real‑World Challenges
The skills learned during the BKIK event – from strategic questioning to collaborative problem‑solving – are directly applicable to the everyday challenges of launching a startup in Hungary. By embedding these techniques into your academic projects, you can accelerate the transition from theory to practice.
To sustain momentum, schedule a brief follow‑up meeting with your group or mentor within a week of the event. Keep the conversation focused on implementing one new skill or strategy you gained from the session.
Students interested in continuous development should also explore Corvinus University’s additional programming, such as the Executive Programme at Corvinus or the Master’s in Entrepreneurship. These options provide deeper dives into niche topics like digital marketing, sustainable business models, and international trade.
Start now – submit your application to Corvinus University and join a community where academic rigor meets industry relevance.
Take Action: Submit your application today and begin a path that merges learning with real‑world impact.
