Mongolia to Marketing: How Anima Turned Adaptability into a Strength

2025. September 15. 10:40

Starting life in a new country is never easy—especially when you’re thousands of kilometers from home and stepping into a classroom where almost everyone is a stranger. But for Anima, arriving in Pécs from Mongolia marked the beginning of a journey that would stretch her comfort zone, strengthen her confidence, and shape her future in unexpected ways. 


 

Choosing Pécs: A Leap Toward Internationalization

“For me, internationalization was the key,” Anima recalls. “I was looking for a place that offers diversity, double degrees, and the chance to meet people from all around the world.” The Faculty of Business and Economics stood out not only for its English-language programs and globally recognized curriculum, but also for the dynamic exchange and internship opportunities it offered.

What she expected was good education. What she got was a life-changing experience.

A Different Kind of Classroom

Coming from a traditional education system in Mongolia, Anima admits the academic environment in Pécs surprised her. “Back home, education was very rigid. You followed the professor. But here, it was open. You could ask questions, express opinions, and professors welcomed your voice.”

She found inspiration in classes like Sustainability and Environmental Economics, taught by Dr. Katalin Erdős, who also supervised her thesis. “She brought real-world experience into the classroom. Her teaching made me feel personally connected to the subject, and I ended up writing my thesis on environmental issues in Mongolia.”

Another standout professor for Anima was Dr. Habil. Zsófia Ásványi, whose dynamic teaching in International Human Resource Management helped ignite her professional ambition. “She brought so much energy; it really pushed me to stay focused and dream bigger.”

Building Lifelong Friendships and Community

Despite starting her studies online due to the pandemic, Anima quickly found her place. “My classmates remembered my name from Teams when we finally met in person. It felt so natural.” Her closest friends came from around the world, and those multicultural connections made her time in Pécs unforgettable.

“The international environment didn’t just meet my expectations, it went beyond them,” she said. “I thought I’d mostly meet Hungarians, but it turned out to be so much more diverse.”

More Than Just Studies: Finding Her Voice Through Involvement

Anima didn’t stop at just attending classes. From her second year, she fully immersed herself in university life. One of her most formative experiences was becoming a Student Representative. “I wasn’t sure if I’d get the position, but I pushed myself to apply and I got in. It helped me grow in leadership, communication, and confidence.”

She was also actively involved in student organizations such as ESN Pécs and AIESEC, where she rose from a team member to Local Committee Vice President for Marketing. “These roles taught me project management, teamwork, and how to lead others, skills I still use in my job today.”

Turning University Experience into Professional Success

As part of her mandatory internship, Anima joined the Centre for Applied Learning at the university. “I already followed them on social media, and their activities really spoke to me. During my internship, they gave me the freedom to initiate events, support international students, and explore alumni engagement work.”

This experience directly led her into digital content creation and marketing. “Someone from the marketing office noticed a video I made as an ambassador and invited me to create more content for the faculty. That small opportunity opened a whole new path for me.”

Eventually, she began working part-time for the faculty’s marketing department—an experience that combined creativity with professionalism and laid the groundwork for her career.

Where She Is Now: Returning Home with Global Vision

Today, Anima is a Digital Marketing Manager at Gobi Cashmere, one of Mongolia’s top fashion companies with a growing international presence. “My job now blends everything I learned in Pécs, marketing knowledge, global communication, and adaptability.”

She credits her studies, and particularly the international team projects, with helping her succeed. “Everything from cross-cultural teamwork to real deadlines and it all felt familiar when I entered the workplace.”

Her Advice: Say Yes and Get Involved

Anima’s message to prospective students is simple: “Just come to Pécs. Don’t hesitate. This place will shape you into a confident, skilled professional.”

She especially encourages students to take advantage of the extracurricular opportunities. “Joining student organizations, working part-time, becoming a mentor because it’s all part of learning. These experiences helped me grow just as much as my classes.”

And if she could go back to her first year? “I’d come to Hungary right away instead of doing my first year online. I missed out on so much and made up for it by staying active every step after that.”