Gaining insight into the banking sector and first-hand practical experience, this was how 4th OTP–Corvinus Mentor Program went

At the closing event, Gábor Galovics, Head of OTP Bank’s Budapest Region, and Judit Nagy, Vice-Rector of Corvinus University of Budapest, both emphasized the importance of the mentoring program in talent development and highlighted that connecting university education with business practice is a key priority for both institutions. In her remarks, Judit Nagy, Vice-Rector, stated: 

“For Corvinus University of Budapest, it is of particular importance that our students not only acquire high-level theoretical knowledge, but also gain real practical experience during their university years. The OTP x Corvinus Mentoring Program is an excellent example of how academic knowledge can be connected with everyday business practice, while also enabling students to build valuable professional relationships in the long term.”  

During the mentoring program, participants were able to develop both their professional and personal competencies through real-life business situations, professional discussions, and personalised mentoring sessions, further strengthening the link between university studies and the labour market. 

The unique value of the program lay in the fact that students were mentored by senior and middle managers working in various areas of the banking sector. Among the mentors were leaders who play a key role in the bank’s operations, including András Becsei, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of OTP Bank, Gábor Galovics, Head of the Budapest Region, and Imre Bertalan, Executive Director of Human Resources. 

As a central element of the closing event, the 16 students who successfully completed the mentoring program presented their experiences, key learnings, and professional development achieved over the past months. 

One of the participants, Benedek Sütő, summarised his experience as follows: 

“I believe that my involvement in management meetings at such a young age provided me with a particularly valuable learning experience, allowing me to observe the decision-making processes closely. During my participation in the mentoring program, I acquired a thorough understanding of the operations and day-to-day activities of the banking sector, as exemplified by my work with OTP Bank. This experience has profoundly influenced my academic trajectory, inspiring me to pursue a thesis topic related to banking. I enthusiastically endorse the program for all students, as it offers authentic professional knowledge, a valuable network of contacts, and experiences that can provide a significant advantage even during one’s university years.” 

Gábor Galovics also highlighted the program’s value from the mentors’ perspective: 

“Supporting future professionals is a top priority for OTP Bank. The mentoring program provides an excellent opportunity for mutual dialogue between students and banking professionals to develop during their university years, which benefits both parties.” 

At the conclusion of the program, students and mentors received their certificates in a formal ceremony. Based on the feedback received, the mentoring program once again created significant professional and personal value this year. The OTP x Corvinus Mentoring Program will be launched again in the spring semester, and student applications are open until February 3, 2026: We invite you to join the OTP Bank Mentor Program at Corvinus University of Budapest.