Zsombor Szilágyi was voted as the most popular professor in BIC before. He teaches Discrete Math, Physics and Analysis- and his popularity is not a coincodence. Let’s see what he thinks of teaching, studing, tech subjects and more.

Which subject do you like teaching the most? Why?

I love both Math and Physics. In fact, neither would exist without the other. As for Mathematics, I am specialized in analysis. I like this area because it is the core of applied mathematics. You can make great use of it in natural sciences and many engineering fields.
To be more specific, one of my favorite topics is quadratic functions. It connects a lot of areas of knowledge, and we need to use it frequently in problem-solving. In Physics, however, I love mechanics. We have a pretty good intuitive understanding of it from our daily life. And it is beautiful how we can describe different kinds of complicated motions with the same simple formulas. All in all, I love teaching all parts of the material because of the colorful diverse topics.

What advice would you give to students who find Math too difficult?

In this case, they should just give up… I am just kidding, of course, these subjects are not easy at all. People often believe there are two kinds of people, those who are good at Math and those who are not. In my opinion, everyone can understand it to a certain level if they are taught correctly. Perhaps the most difficult thing in Math is the linear structure of the materials. Each topic is based on the previous one. You cannot just skip one topic, otherwise you won’t be able to understand the next ones.
Another key thing is the size of the steps. If a problem seems too big, break it down into smaller steps.
Visualization could also help a lot. I like to teach that way.
The same is also true for Physics- here with an extra difficulty namely, you can not study Physics without Math because it is the language of Physics.
If you are motivated, you can surely learn it with the proper methods and enough practice.

Why is it good to study tech?

First of all, engineers are trained to approach complex problems with logical reasoning, critical thinking, and creativity. These analytical thinking and problem-solving skills are valuable and these can be applied to a wide range of industries, making it easier to adapt and switch roles. This is the reason why engineers are needed in various sectors. As a consequence, graduates often find well-paying jobs. And last but not least, as an engineer, you can contribute to shaping the future and making a positive impact on society by developing new technologies, designing efficient systems, and improving existing processes. All in all, this field offers diverse career opportunities with competitive salaries.

Which engineering/IT program would you choose if you had to choose a career now? Why?

Each faculty is pretty popular nowadays including mechanical, electrical, chemical, and computer engineering, among others. Personally, if I had to choose I would go with Computer Science because I am interested in that area. In my opinion the most important thing is to choose an engineering discipline that aligns with your interests and passions. It helps you to keep motivated during the hard work. Before you choose one, I suggest that you do some research about it. Try to gather as much information as you can. Such as the main subjects at the university and jobs you can apply for with that degree. Try to talk to people who study or work in that field. Ask them about everything for instance, whether they like their job, the difficulty of their studies and searching for a job. Just to be sure that this is the profession you want to dedicate your life to.

Why would you recommend students to start their university years with a Foundation program?

Math and Physics form the language of engineering. It is essential to have a strong basic high school level knowledge in both subjects before applying to university. Even though you will have subjects in Math and Physics at the university, you still need the basics of these areas from your earlier studies. Most of the engineering subjects are also based on these. Students sometimes think they can catch up during their university studies but it is almost impossible. In most situations, they end up missing several years at university or just simply dropping out. If you do not have a solid basic knowledge or you are not confident enough, it is better to catch up in time, before the university starts. This program is a very good opportunity to do this. Here you can gain the skills and knowledge, which provide a solid foundation for your university studies.