Designing Europe: Gergő Szittyai new Head of RUN-EU Student Council

You have been Head of the RUN-EU Student Council since October. You were elected at the General Assembly and Students Week at the IPCA in Portugal. Congratulations! What tasks are associated with this position?

Gergő Szittyai: I represent the Student Council Chairs of the ten RUN-EU member institutions and thus indirectly the interests of all students within the European university network. My main tasks include organizing and chairing the regular Chair Meetings, preparing the agenda, coordinating joint projects and reporting to the RUN-EU Executive Management Board.


Could you give us an insight into the work you do?

Gergő Szittyai: I am in close contact with the local Student Councils of the partner universities in order to collect topics, concerns and ideas from students and to bring them to the European level. An important part of my job is also communication between students, lecturers and administration.


Does your position also involve travelling to the RUN-EU partner universities?

Exactly. Several times a year, I represent the RUN-EU students at international events, for example at forums and conferences such as the European Students Assembly (ESA), the European Students Union (ESU), the FOREU4ALL Student-Led Community, or at internal RUN-EU events such as Student Week and the General Assembly (GA). At these events, I represent the student perspective, connect with other European universities and work to increase the visibility and impact of the RUN-EU student representation.


What are your goals for this position?

Gergő Szittyai: I want to expand and improve the RUN-EU experience for students. To this end, we are currently working on a comprehensive programme that is still in the discussion and elaboration phase. My goal is for the Student Council to make a significant contribution to the further development of the entire RUN-EU exchange programme.


What does RUN-EU mean in concrete terms?

Gergő Szittyai: RUN-EU stands for exchange, innovation and connections that are otherwise rarely experienced. RUN-EU gives students the opportunity to gain international experience and make contacts across borders. The opportunity for this international exchange through RUN-EU has become an important part of my studies. I would like to encourage all students to be open to other cultures and nations and to take every opportunity to gain international experience.


What stays abroad have you completed so far through RUN-EU?

Gergő Szittyai: I have already been to the HAMK in Finland twice, for about ten days each time. There I was able to strengthen my leadership, communication and soft skills in particular. Skills that are just as important for me as a budding industrial engineer as technical knowledge. I was in Portugal in the fall and took part in a design challenge.


Can you go into more detail about that?

Gergő Szittyai: We worked on a project where we were able to gain practical international experience in 3D design and printing. Apart from the learning content, this week was one of my most exciting study experiences. Making new friends with over 100 students from all over Europe is something special every time. At this point, a big thank you to my FHV colleague Nicolas Schmiedle, who got me excited about RUN-EU. 


You are currently in your fifth semester of Engineering and Management at the FHV. What distinguishes the FHV as a university?

Gergő Szittyai: I particularly appreciate the practical relevance. Many lecturers bring in examples and applications directly from industry. I also think the lecturers are great: they are not only experts in their field, but also committed, approachable and motivating personalities. 


You are a dual student. How do you combine work and study?

Gergő Szittyai: As a dual student at Walter Bösch, I can combine work and study perfectly. I work at the beginning of the week and study on Fridays and Saturdays. I find it particularly valuable that I can implement projects and my bachelor's thesis directly in the company, so I combine academic and practical experience in the best possible way. And despite the double workload, I still find time for weight training, skiing and hiking. 


What are your plans after graduation?

Gergő Szittyai: I definitely want to continue my studies, but I'm still keeping my options open at the moment. 

Would you also like to gain exciting experience abroad like Gergő? Then find out about the many opportunities here.