MARTINA VICENOVA // COMENIUS UNIVERSITY BRATISLAVA // ENLIGHT COMMUNICATION OFFICER
»ENLIGHT has brought me so much!«
Martina joined ENLIGHT as a Communication Officer in August 2023, bringing five years of experience in communication, office & event management. Outside of ENLIGHT she is also a ski instructor, Airbnb host, hobby DJ and more.
Where are you from?
MARTINA: I’m from Bratislava, born and raised.
Have you lived or studied abroad?
MARTINA: Yes, I spent a year in Brighton, UK, during high school, and a semester in Chambery, France, through Erasmus+, where I studied Sports & Events Management. Skiing was a big draw to Chambery, as my then-boyfriend, now husband and I both love it. I am very fond of languages and have a double diploma in International Management from Comenius University and Financial Management & European area from the University of Lorraine.
What do you like most about your current role?
MARTINA: I enjoy working with people from different countries and appreciate the diversity of opinions. I also love the travel! Slovakia’s hierarchical work culture doesn’t suit me as much, so oftentimes I feel more myself abroad.
It’s been eye-opening to see the impact, both in education quality and through the chance to meet incredible people.
How did you find out about ENLIGHT?
MARTINA: It was a coincidence! I was on the lookout for an international role based in Bratislava when my father, who had been working on an EU study at Comenius University, asked his former boss about job openings. It turned out there was a Communication Officer position just opening at ENLIGHT that fit my search perfectly. I am happy that the hiring team saw it the same way. The job offers meaningful purpose of enhancing the higher education, international teamwork, travel, and flexibility to balance my passions like sports and DJing.
Have you been part of ENLIGHT activities?
MARTINA: Yes, of course! I coordinate ENLIGHT’s communication activities and have attended General Meetings in Uppsala and Bilbao, Teaching & Learning Conference in Bordeaux, and international workshops, like a Communication-focused Staff Week in Rotterdam. It’s been invaluable to learn from my colleagues and other alliances.
What has ENLIGHT brought you?
MARTINA: ENLIGHT has brought me so much! One of the biggest impacts has been how it’s deepened my understanding of the crucial role universities play in society. I’ve come to appreciate how much our partner universities are doing, despite some of their challenges. I’ve always held high standards when it comes to education, and my experience with ENLIGHT has been especially rewarding. The courses, staff weeks, and webinars offered by our universities are all at an exceptionally high level, which I can confidently say after comparing them to my previous experience in the private sector and an internship at the UN. It’s been eye-opening to see the impact, both in education quality and through the chance to meet incredible people.
What do you enjoy in your free time?
MARTINA: I’m very active! I love skiing (I even skied down the aisle at my wedding), teaching kids to ski, hiking, swimming, going to festivals, and doing yoga with my mom. I recently completed a DJ course and skied in Japan, which was a dream come true.
Why would you recommend ENLIGHT?
MARTINA: The possibilities are endless! Step out of your comfort zone, apply for a course, grant call, teaching/research award, or experience any mobility — you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.