I always knew I was good at planning and organizing.
Even in high school, at the age of just 17, I took charge of organizing our final class trip, which ended up being an unforgettable journey that concluded our years together.
My family also quickly realized my organizational skills, and from the age of 19, I was always the one to arrange our annual ski trips. Considering this involved accommodating over 30 people with different preferences and financial considerations, it was no small task. Yet, I always enjoyed it, so it never felt like a chore.
For a long time, however, I didn’t think much of it. I assumed everyone was capable of these tasks, and there was nothing special about my ability to handle them. Because of this, I didn’t initially consider a career in project management. Instead, I envisioned myself in architecture, marketing, and gastronomy. I talked myself out of architecture in high school, but I stayed involved in gastro-marketing alongside and after my university years. Even then, I felt more drawn to devising new services, launching them, and organizing events.
While working at KAPTÁR coworking office, a colleague remarked on how well I understood processes and how efficiently I could organize complex projects. That was the moment I began to realize that what I found natural and easy was a valuable and rare skill. At the same time, I was involved in a small association where we organized career guidance programs for high school students. I ended up organizing several events and noticed that I could reach and convince people to participate, even those whom no one expected to say yes.
I began to consciously seek tasks that would leverage my organizational skills and problem-solving abilities. I looked for project management positions where these strengths would be officially recognized and utilized. In my first such position at the Példakép Foundation, I immediately felt at home, and it quickly became clear that I could truly thrive in this role. Working with many startups was particularly inspiring, and I learned a lot from them about entrepreneurship. I also played an active role in organizing a large gala, an experience I’ll never forget as I watched everything unfold according to plan.
Project management not only presents professional challenges for me but also brings personal satisfaction. Each successful project is further proof that I made the right choice. My organizational skills, which I once took for granted, have become a real asset here. The recognition and feedback from clients and colleagues have reinforced my belief that this is my path.
After the foundation closed, I found my place at a startup incubator. Fortunately, I continued to work with startups and organized events almost routinely. Additionally, I managed grant funding and accounting, gaining extensive experience in this area. I also participated in several investor meetings, developing a strong understanding of what investors look for in a project. Often, what was missing was the implementer – someone who might not be an expert in the specific technical challenges but could oversee the project long-term without getting lost in the technical details.
Over the years, I have learned that recognizing and consciously developing our strengths is crucial in building a career. It’s not enough to be talented; it’s important to direct that talent consciously and seek environments where we can flourish. Today, I know that my organizational and planning skills are not just parts of a job but the foundations of a vocation in which I have found my passion.
That’s why I became a project manager. I realized that what I found natural and simple is actually a special skill that holds value for many people. This strength has allowed me to build a career where I am not only successful but also truly enjoy myself—and where I can help others achieve their dreams.