On January 15, Corvinus University of Budapest and Allianz Technology launched a joint mentoring program with eleven mentor–mentee pairs. As part of the initiative, second- and third-year undergraduate as well as master’s students studying economics or IT gain first-hand insight into the operation of a multinational company, the daily work of middle and senior managers, and international corporate culture. 

At the program’s opening event, Nándor Tóth, Head of Allianz Technology’s Hungarian Branch, highlighted the importance of intergenerational cooperation. He emphasized that generational differences should be seen not as challenges but as resources, as students’ fresh perspectives can help question established practices and bring new viewpoints into the organization. 

During the mentoring program, participating Corvinus students gain practical insight into leadership decision-making, teamwork, and the collaboration between business and IT functions. The initiative is built on mutual learning, offering opportunities for participants to ask questions, gain experience, and build valuable professional connections, while mentors share their knowledge and perspectives. 

For Allianz Technology, the program supports talent development and provides insight into the expectations and motivations of early-career professionals. For mentors, it offers an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the younger generation and gain fresh perspectives that can also be applied in their everyday work. 

“It is extremely important for the university that students have the opportunity to gain practical experience during their studies. Although theoretical knowledge forms the basis of education, programs such as this one really bring learning to life. The Allianz Technology Mentoring Programme bridges the gap between theory and practice: it helps students understand how the knowledge they have acquired can be used in real-life work situations and prepares them for the challenges of a rapidly changing, technology-driven environment,” said Ödön Kovács-Benedek, Head of Corporate and Institutional Relations Program Development and Innovation. 

The mentoring program highlights the value of cooperation between higher education and the corporate sector, supporting students in complementing their studies with practical experience and preparing more consciously for their future careers.