Any network connection, service activation, or infrastructure upgrade requires a dynamic collaboration between people, teams, partners, and customers. But how does it all come together in a project? 

We decided to explore this question with Nikoletta Dévényi, Rollout Project Manager at CETIN Hungary. Today at People Beyond the Network, Nikki helps us bring the pieces together and uncovers how plans are turned into reality, all while balancing technical expertise with communication, trust, and teamwork.

This is the story of a journey from engineering to telecommunications: the lessons learned from managing high-stakes projects and why supporting one another is one of the most important ingredients of success. Let’s discover it together!

                                                               7 questions with Nikki. 7 takeaways on engineering and telecommunication.

1.    Nikki, what first attracted you to study engineering and how did your journey lead you to the world of telecommunications at CETIN Hungary?

From an early age, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that would continuously challenge me, allow me to be creative, and result in tangible achievements. My strong interest in technical disciplines naturally led me toward engineering, and it soon became clear that I wanted to further my studies and build my professional career in this field.
When I was unexpectedly given the opportunity to join CETIN Hungary, I immediately recognized it as a chance to follow this path. What particularly inspired me was the opportunity to work for an organisation where I could contribute to creating lasting value. 
Being involved in the development and implementation of systems and infrastructure that deliver long-term benefits and have a visible impact on people’s everyday lives is highly rewarding.

This opportunity continues to be one of my greatest sources of professional motivation.

2.    What is something that would surprise people most about your role as a Rollout Project Manager?

As a Project Manager, my main responsibility is to ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the expected quality standards. While technical knowledge is essential, I believe successful project delivery depends just as much on people and collaboration as it does on processes and technology. One of the most important aspects of my role is balancing the interests and expectations of customers, contractors, and internal teams. This often requires finding practical solutions that support the project's objectives while maintaining strong relationships between all stakeholders.

Challenges are an inevitable part of every project, and I approach them as opportunities to learn and improve. In these situations, open communication, transparency, and teamwork are key. I place great value on building strong partnerships with contractors based on mutual trust and shared goals. From my experience, this collaborative approach helps resolve issues more effectively and significantly contributes to the overall success of a project.

 
 

 3.    And what exactly do you work on today?

Currently, I primarily manage B2B projects, coordinating the deployment of leased-line internet services for Yettel Hungary and CETIN Hungary partners. My responsibility is to oversee the entire project lifecycle, from planning and permitting through construction coordination to the successful delivery and handover of the service.

In addition, I continue to work on rollout-related projects, mainly focusing on network development and capacity expansion initiatives for Key Account Customers (KAC) and VIP partners. These projects are of strategic importance and require fast execution while maintaining the highest quality standards.

 My involvement does not end once a project has been delivered. I also play an active role in handling customer complaints and addressing exceptional requests. Working closely with operational and planning teams, my goal is to ensure that our customers receive prompt and professional support while maintaining the long-term reliability of our services and a high level of customer satisfaction.
 

4.    Please give us an example of a challenge you and your team faces that people outside often don’t realise.

With standard delivery timelines typically around eight weeks, I believe that proactive planning is key to successful project execution. For this reason, we often start preparations even before the contract is finalized, conducting site assessments, evaluating technical possibilities, and identifying the most suitable connectivity solution.

Some projects require exceptionally fast delivery, making quick decision-making, effective coordination, and adaptability crucial. In these situations, I focus on anticipating risks early, minimizing lead times, and keeping all stakeholders aligned to avoid unnecessary delays.
I also consider customer communication to be just as important as the technical delivery itself. Throughout the project, I strive to keep customers informed and manage expectations transparently. My goal is not only to deliver on time but also to ensure a positive customer experience and build long-term relationships based on trust, reliability, and high service quality.
 

5.    What skills or qualities have been most important in helping you overcome the challenges and further - coordinate the teams involved in the successful delivery of complex projects?

One of the most valuable lessons in my career came about a year ago, during one of my first independently managed B2B projects. The project involved relocating an existing network connection to support the expansion of a customer’s facility. Despite careful planning and preparation, the customer was dissatisfied with the final result. This experience helped me realize that customer complaints should never be taken personally. Instead, they should be viewed as opportunities to better understand the customer’s expectations and identify areas for improvement. I learned to focus on finding the root cause of the issue and working collaboratively toward a solution. Since then, I have approached challenges with a calm and solution-focused mindset.

I believe that staying composed under pressure, objectively evaluating the situation, and maintaining a constructive attitude are essential qualities for a Project Manager. In my experience, these skills are just as important as technical knowledge when it comes to achieving successful project outcomes and maintaining customer trust.

 
 

6.    You mentioned before that supporting your colleagues is one of the biggest opportunities for learning and growth. What aspects of CETIN's culture have helped you shape your career and made you feel supported, valued, or empowered in your role?

I believe that my professional growth and achievements have been significantly supported by the expertise and assistance of my colleagues. As a Project Manager, my role is to coordinate activities and resolve issues, but successful project delivery would not be possible without the collaboration and commitment of specialists from the various supporting teams.

Looking back on the past few years, I cannot recall a project or challenge that our team was unable to overcome. This speaks volumes about the professionalism, dedication, and collaborative mindset of CETIN employees. I am proud to be part of an organization where people are always willing to support one another and work together to find the best possible solution.

7.    Outside of work, what activities or passions help you stay balanced, inspired, or creatively refreshed?

Over time, I have learned that achieving professional success is not only about taking on challenges and delivering results, but also about maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. I believe that this balance is essential for sustaining both high performance and long-term motivation.

Staying active through regular exercise and yoga helps me recharge and maintain my wellbeing. Above all, though, the time I spend with my family is what energises me the most. Those moments provide me with a strong sense of stability, perspective, and motivation.
I believe that having a fulfilling life outside of work makes us more effective professionals. Finding time for the people and activities that inspire us is just as important as achieving career goals, and it helps us bring our best selves to work every day.