"I found more similarities than expected" – An Interview with Mend-Amar Badral
Why did you choose Hungary for your studies?
I came to Hungary in September 2025. Several of my high school friends were already studying here, which definitely influenced my decision. I was also attracted by Hungary's achievements in science and technology. I applied through the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme, and I found the application process surprisingly straightforward and well-organized. I'm now in the second year of my master's programme, focusing on computer engineering, with a particular interest in data science and AI.
How did you hear about VIDEOTON, and why did you decide to apply?
I was looking for an internship opportunity when I received an email through the Alumni Hungary platform. That's how I first came across VIDEOTON. I did some research and discovered that it was one of Hungary's major manufacturing companies.
Although my studies focus on computer engineering, I was interested in exploring a different field where I could apply my analytical skills. Purchasing seemed like a good opportunity because it involves working with numbers and data. I thought, why not give it a try?
What were your main responsibilities during your internship?
I mainly worked with demand forecasts, particularly on visualizing fluctuations in forecast data. My background in mathematics was useful, but the work also required some creativity. I had to think about how to present complex information in charts that would be clear and easy for others to understand.
I also learned a lot about the automotive industry, including its specific terminology and processes. It was interesting to see how data analysis supports everyday business decisions in a manufacturing environment.
You are particularly interested in AI. Did you have an opportunity to apply this knowledge at VIDEOTON?
I believe AI can be very useful for simplifying repetitive tasks and making everyday work more efficient. I'm still learning about its possibilities, but I try to use it whenever it makes sense.
For example, AI tools can help create charts and visualizations more quickly, simply by describing what you need. I think this could be useful not only for my own work but also for colleagues who regularly work with large amounts of data.
How would you describe your experience working with Hungarian colleagues?
It was a very positive experience. My colleagues were kind, helpful and understanding from the beginning. Of course, there was sometimes a language barrier, as much of the daily work was conducted in Hungarian, but everyone made an effort to communicate with me in English.
I even picked up a little Hungarian along the way! Beyond the professional experience, I also learned a lot about teamwork, communication and how a large organization operates. These are valuable lessons that I can take with me into my future career.
Coming from Mongolia, what similarities or differences have you noticed between the two countries?
Interestingly, I found more similarities than I initially expected, especially in attitudes towards work and education. Both countries also have a strong respect for their history and traditions. In Mongolia, for example, Genghis Khan is an important historical figure, and I've noticed that Hungarians also place great importance on remembering their national history.
Food is one area where there are some differences! In Mongolia, we eat a lot of meat, particularly beef and mutton. I enjoy Hungarian food, though, and I like discovering different traditional dishes. There's always something new to try.
I also had a funny experience at VIDEOTON: my supervisor told me that Mongolia is almost 17 times larger than Hungary. I had never really compared the two countries that way, so I was quite surprised that he knew this about my home country!
What are your plans for the future?
I have about one more year left before completing my master's degree. After graduation, I would like to gain further professional experience. In the longer term, however, I plan to return to Mongolia. I hope to use the knowledge and international experience I've gained here to build my career back home.
My internship at VIDEOTON has definitely been a valuable part of that journey. It helped me understand not only how technical and analytical skills can be applied in a real business environment, but also how important communication, teamwork and adaptability are in professional life.