ÉPKAR Zrt. has long been a committed supporter of young engineers' professional growth, which is why they proudly serve as a Platinum Sponsor of the National Scientific Students’ Associations Conference (OTDK). We spoke with CEO István Szeivolt about the importance of the competition and how they view the role of talented young professionals within the company.
Why is OTDK important for the company? What message do you hope to share with students?
Our support for OTDK comes from two core beliefs: professional responsibility and emotional connection. For us, the construction industry is one of the noblest forms of architectural expression. What begins as a concept on a drawing board becomes reality through our hands. This transformation demands not only technical excellence but also responsibility, dedication, and craftsmanship at the highest level. This is what we want to share with the next generation: it is worth investing the time and effort to truly understand and master your craft.
There’s also a deeply personal side to our support. Many of us in leadership roles, myself included, graduated from these very academic institutions, mentored by legendary professors such as Dr. András Liska, Géza Buti, Zsolt Hegedűs, and Zsolt Martonosi. Supporting OTDK feels like giving back to the place where our own journeys began.
What advice would you give to students to help them succeed in the competition?
Details matter. Success often lies in the seemingly small things—what you might consider the “fine print.” Prepare thoroughly, even for the unexpected. You never know when that deep understanding will give you the edge, whether it's in solving a complex problem or answering a challenging question.
What does OTDK participation say about a student—and why is it valuable to ÉPKAR?
To us, OTDK participation speaks volumes. It reflects diligence, motivation, and a genuine passion for the field—qualities we deeply value. That alone makes a candidate stand out during recruitment.
Does OTDK participation carry weight in your hiring process?
While we emphasize personal interaction and real-world impressions, we absolutely recognize and appreciate the commitment shown by OTDK participants. A mention of the competition in a CV is a strong indicator of a candidate’s potential and is certainly a factor we take into account.
What can students expect when visiting ÉPKAR’s booth? What’s your key message?
Our message is simple, yet powerful: Dare to be part of ÉPKAR!
We don’t just create jobs—we cultivate a community. Those who join our team quickly discover they’re part of a supportive, collaborative environment where no one is left behind. We help each other, grow together, and celebrate each other's successes.
This strong sense of community doesn’t just make work more enjoyable—it empowers new employees with confidence, knowledge, and the drive to take on even greater challenges. And as experienced professionals share their wisdom, newcomers gain something invaluable: real, meaningful professional experience. Whether you're presenting at OTDK or just exploring career paths, we invite you to meet us, ask questions, and envision your future with ÉPKAR. Because your journey deserves a strong foundation.
