Exploring Professional and Personal Growth Abroad
An Interview with Megan Cungu, a student and Young European Ambassador from Albania.
01/06/2023
Megan Cungu
Megan Cungu is a third-year student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at KU Leuven in Belgium. She has been volunteering at the Albanian Organization of the Order of Malta for several years and is currently a part of the Young European Ambassador network for the Western Balkans.
I understand that you are studying at KU Leuven. Could you please tell us what motivated you to choose this university?
Upon finishing my high school studies, I focused on improving my proficiency in English and French, both of which I now speak on a daily basis. I was highly motivated to apply to KU Leuven as it is a highly ranked university, and I knew that it would help me achieve my future professional goals. While hard work, professionalism, open-mindedness, creativity, and similar traits are important elements of a successful professional life, having a diploma from a well-known university is also essential.
How has this experience helped your professional development?
Currently, I work as an office assistant for the Human Resources department of a company as a student job. I recently completed an internship with the World Food Programme, which not only helped me improve my professional skills but also contributed to my open-mindedness. Albania is a highly homogenous nation, and growing up there, I didn’t have the opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Coming to Belgium for studies and engaging in student work allowed me to get in touch with people from different cultural backgrounds and appreciate diversity.
“Coming to Belgium for studies and engaging in student work allowed me to get in touch with people from different cultural backgrounds and appreciate diversity.”
Megan Cungu
Could you tell us about your professional plans for the future?
I’m passionate about working in large international organizations. My internship with the World Food Programme further strengthened this passion. Additionally, since coming abroad, I have noticed that not many people have heard of Albania. So, in my future professional life, I’d like to promote my country and explain how amazing our people and culture are, as well as how much we have accomplished and overcome.
Your path has also been marked by volunteering and activism. What made you interested in activism?
Ever since I was very young, I’ve had a passion for attending volunteer activities, such as summer schools. At a young age, I encountered people from different social and economic backgrounds and realized that, despite our differences, we’re all connected as humans. This experience fueled my passion for understanding people and helping them. Thus, I thought that I could take this passion to the next level by turning it into my professional life and activity.
You're also a Young European Ambassador (YEA). What motivated you to become one, and how's it going?
I decided to become a Young European Ambassador (YEA) because the network is fascinating and fantastic, and I wanted to contribute more to my peers in my country and city. My motivation was to restore hope and let young people know about the many good and essential things they can do. Albania and the surrounding region have many brilliant-minded young people, and I believe that this potential needs to be further utilized. So far, my experience with YEA has been very positive. I’ve participated in various activities and had the opportunity to contribute. I’m delighted to be a part of this network, where I’ve met some wonderful people, expanded my knowledge, and networked with friends.
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Photo credits: Megan Cungu