What motivated you to start at TDK?
Even during my undergraduate studies, as a first-year student, I heard about the local round of the Scientific Student Conference. I sat in the Várkonyi room, I was wondering what this was all about. It was a "full house", the atmosphere was captivating. As an athlete, I was used to competition situations and the fact that this could be done in a scientific form, presenting my own research, was extremely motivating for me.
Why do you think it's good to start at TDK? What did you learn?
For me, the biggest benefit was preparing myself for scientific life. I gained new acquaintances and experiences at the TDK events in Szeged and nationwide, which helped my later professional work. For example, when I met the leader of sportpsycholoist training, Dr. Ágota Lénárt, she already knew me as the chairman of the OTDK jury. In addition, my presentation skills have improved a lot, I have learned to communicate in an essential, scientific language. The writing of the studies helped to acquire the professionally accepted scientific wording. This provided the basis for my later publishing activities.
Were there any difficulties? If so, what were they?
I didn’t experience any particular difficulty with TDK, in fact. I also structured my BA and MA dissertations so that I could start with them in the next TDK, somewhat modified. So I essentially hit two birds with one stone. It was a great pleasure for me that my efforts were followed by recognitions, so I saw them not as a difficulty but as an opportunity for my career advancement.
What do you think can be gained from TDK? What did you profit from?
The Institute of Psychology of the University of Szeged was a family environment for me. After the local and national TDKs, I was congratulated by both the instructors and my groupmates, acknowledging my scientific work. So I started to look at myself as an increasingly valuable member of the training. It also gave me the courage to start publishing. TDK helped me believe that I was able to work on a different level, drawing strength from my previous athlete identity, stepping out of my comfort zone.
Can you make use of it in your current job?
We continue to work together with Dr. Eszter Csábi and Dr. Éva Szabó after my years in Szeged, and my workplace also serves as a field practice place for psychology students. These professional relationships also help in the continuous development of my identity as a sports psychologist. Furthermore, due to my work, I give regular lectures and workshops. In order to credibly represent the profession of sports psychology in front of the audience, my TDK experience provides the basis.
Do you send any message to students who are thinking about getting started with TDK? How would you convince them?
I usually prepared for current TDK events by presenting my topic to my loved ones, friends, even teammates. They are honored with their attention, thanks for it. On the other hand, the most amazing experience is when you can present the research you have invented and implemented to an expert audience that understands it and gives feedback that supports your development. This will generate more and more ideas in you, which will take you on paths unknown to you so far, you will work at an ever higher level. Feel free to embark on this scientific adventure!
(Source: Official website of the University of Szeged, Dr. Eszter Csábi)
