Context
Hungary’s Leading Agricultural University through its 2030 strategic initiative, is committed to playing a pivotal role in the sustainable transformation of Hungarian agriculture. Its Future Leaders Program is central to this mission, designed to create a specialized leadership track that nurtures globally competitive, future-ready leaders for Hungary’s agricultural sector.
Challenge
The university’s existing talent management programs predominantly focused on academic excellence, leaving untapped a broader spectrum of high-potential students. Additionally, industry consultations revealed that even top graduates lack the practical skills and experience.
Objectives
The primary objective of the project was to develop a scalable, future-focused leadership program that:
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Broadened the university’s definition of talent by building specialized talent management pathways across four key disciplines.
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Addresses this skills gap between university education and industry demands by equipping students with the necessary skills and hands-on experience to build a resilient executive class.
The Solution
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A bespoke, adaptive curriculum was designed, combining leadership training with sector-specific skill development.
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The program followed a balanced approach: 65% of the focus was on professional knowledge, and 35% on leadership development to ensure holistic growth.
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A multi-phase program was introduced, integrating intensive orientation, career path selection, and targeted mentorship.
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Extensive engagement with strategic partners from various sectors to support and validate student achievements.
The Impact (In Progress)
The program is primarily a content-driven project, supported by careful implementation and strategic change management. The project currently is in the implementation phase. The program's success is evidenced by the overwhelming interest during the recruitment phase, with the first cohort receiving over 3.5 times the expected number of applications, indicating high demand and a strong interest in the University's innovative approach to leadership development. This promising start positions the Future Leaders Program as a cornerstone of the University’s strategic transformation, with the potential for a significant long-term impact on both the institution and the wider agricultural sector.
