Supporting Talent Management and Career Paths for Women at the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE)

The Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) recently held a roundtable discussion focused on talent management in higher education, with a particular emphasis on supporting women’s career development. The event highlighted the importance of creating pathways for women in academia and research, alongside efforts to foster talent across all disciplines.

Key Insights from Industry Leaders Zsófia Nagy-Vargha, Deputy State Secretary for Youth at the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, opened the discussion by underlining the critical need to support talent in Hungary. She noted that the growing demand for talent support was demonstrated by a record amount of 1% tax donations collected for the National Talent Programme. She also emphasized the importance of digitalisation in talent identification and development, as the rapidly evolving labor market requires innovative solutions.

Other notable speakers included:

• Csilla Fuszek, Director of the Budapest European Talent Centre
• Dr. Tamás Weiszburg, President of OTDT
• Enikő Szakos, Educational Researcher at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium Foundation

Each speaker brought valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of talent management, both in higher education and in preparatory programs. The conversation also delved into the specific needs of women in these areas, stressing the importance of advocacy and mentoring.

MATE’s Commitment to Nurturing Talent Dr. Katalin Posta, MATE’s Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Quality Assurance, highlighted the university’s ongoing efforts to support research students and ensure that all students, particularly women, have access to resources that help them excel. MATE’s talent council system and new excellence programmes, presented by Dr. Katalin Szabó and Dr. Zoltán Kovács, provide further avenues for students to receive support in both teaching and research.

Addressing the Gender Gap in Academia The roundtable’s discussions were particularly focused on how universities can enhance support for women’s career paths in teaching, research, and the agribusiness sector. The event tackled crucial questions about increasing women’s participation in leadership roles and bridging the gender gap through targeted programs.

Among the key takeaways were the need for:

• Mentoring programs to guide women in their career advancement
• Opportunities to develop leadership skills, aimed at increasing the number of women in decision-making roles
• Flexible education and training options that consider women’s family responsibilities

Looking Ahead As MATE continues to lead efforts in talent development, the roundtable underscored the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that supports women’s growth and success. By encouraging mentorship, promoting leadership, and providing flexible education solutions, MATE is dedicated to shaping the future of higher education in Hungary.

The event reached stakeholders and the wider public through national press coverage, reinforcing the significance of talent management and gender equality in higher education.