Every International Opportunity Holds Potential for Growth – Interview with the Head of Project Management at the BBC

You work as a Head of Project Management at one of the world’s most renowned media organizations, the BBC. What exactly does your role involve? 

I am responsible for the BBC’s internal technology portfolio. Together with the twenty project managers on my team, we work on approximately 35 projects. We focus exclusively on developing and improving the software and applications used by BBC employees. The BBC truly is a world of its own, with very unique challenges and characteristics, which makes it an exciting place to work. 

How did your career path lead you to London? 

It was quite a long journey. I started my career in Budapest at Citibank as a project manager, and that was also where I first managed a team. Later, I moved to India, where my task was to establish project management teams. I lived there for two years. Initially, I was responsible for training ten project managers, but by the end, I was overseeing 83 managers and the entire region. I essentially built a project management center of excellence from scratch. 

After that—still within Citibank—I moved to Belfast, where I led a smaller European project management team focused mainly on infrastructure projects. From there, I relocated to London because I wanted to be a little closer to Hungary and to my parents. First, I worked on developing the digital portfolio of a major construction company, and later I joined the BBC. 

Did you consciously prepare for an international career, or did you simply take advantage of the opportunities that came your way? 

I am an explorer by nature. I enjoy discovering new countries, cultures, and languages. For example, after graduating from college, I spent a year working in Italy. Later on, my desire to explore new territories continued to drive me forward. I have always been open to and curious about the international world, but at the same time, I constantly had to encourage myself to step outside my comfort zone. 

Moving to India and starting a new life there with my entire family was certainly not easy. My son was only five years old at the time. But when the opportunity arose, we took the plunge. I should add that having a partner who stood by me and encouraged me throughout these adventures was essential. 

What tools and knowledge did your studies at Corvinus provide that helped you lead international project management teams? 

I started programming when I was fourteen years old and have always loved computer science. At the same time, I quickly realized that I also enjoyed working with people, so I specifically looked for a program where I could learn people management skills as well. 

That is why I chose Mihály Görög’s two-year Project Management program at Corvinus University. To this day, I continue to benefit from the professional expertise and management knowledge I gained there. The program offered a very modern perspective and provided practical knowledge that could be applied immediately in the workplace. 

What advice would you give to a Corvinus student graduating today who dreams of an international career similar to yours? How should they get started? 

Within the European Union, I believe there are now many more opportunities available. Perhaps the easiest path is to study abroad from the outset and then begin working and building professional connections in that country after graduation. 

Another option is to stay in Hungary after graduation but join an international company. As your career progresses and opportunities for international positions arise, you can seize them when they come. 

Of course, taking a leap into the unknown requires a great deal of courage and openness. It is also worth keeping in mind that you may not land your dream job abroad on your first attempt. In fact, you may need to accept a somewhat lower position and work your way up in a foreign country. However, every such opportunity carries enormous potential for personal and professional growth.