The Economics and Management Studies programme at the Faculty of Arts, Palacký University Olomouc, combines a solid foundation in economics with a broader understanding of the humanities and social sciences. Our students gain not only theoretical knowledge of business and management, but also skills that help them find their place in an international environment.
One example is Daniel Janošek, who became the first student from our programme to undertake a five-month internship at CzechTrade’s office in Chicago, USA.
• How do you find business partners for Czech companies entering the competitive US market?
• What is it like to work alongside Czech diplomats, sharing a floor with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic?
• And how can an experience like this complement studies at a Faculty of Arts?
Read our interview with Daniel to find out why stepping outside your comfort zone is worth it, how to turn your university studies into a practical advantage, and what an internship in the United States can bring to your future career.
The interview was conducted by our students Karolína Koryčanová and Sofiia Shymchyshyn.
You spent five months in the US working for CzechTrade. How did you hear about the opportunity, and what made you decide to go abroad?
I found out about it at a meeting with companies and CzechTrade in Olomouc. A former colleague from my internship at CzechInvest, where I had worked for about six months, put me in touch with the opportunity.
As I was approaching the final year of my bachelor's degree, I realised that I had never gone abroad during my studies. This was a great opportunity, so I started working towards it. I wanted to experience life in the US and in a big city. Chicago was ideal for me, both in terms of its size and the opportunities it offered.
How did the preparations and arrangements with the university work?
We had to set up a three-party agreement between the university, CzechTrade and me, because no student from our department had gone to Chicago for an internship before. There was quite a bit of administration involved, but in the end, everything worked out successfully.
Did the Erasmus+ programme cover the cost of your internship?
Erasmus+ funding covered only the first three months of the internship. Since I stayed for five months, I had to pay most of the costs myself. Living and accommodation in the US are quite expensive, so the Erasmus+ grant covered approximately 15–20% of my total expenses.
How many interns worked at the Chicago office, and what did a typical working day look like?
The office had five people in total, including interns, and there were two of us working as interns. Our usual working hours were from 9 am to 5 pm.
A large part of my work involved research. When a Czech company approached CzechTrade, for example, a company selling cosmetics or technical equipment, I might be asked to identify potential distributors and business partners in the relevant sector in the US.
Did you also work with diplomats during your internship?
Yes. Our office was on the same floor as the Consulate General of the Czech Republic, so I also attended joint meetings on Fridays. It was a great experience. I had the opportunity to interact with the Consul General, economic diplomats and other members of the diplomatic team.
Did you have time to travel and enjoy student life during your stay?
I lived in student accommodation at the University of Chicago, which was great. I spent a lot of time with students of economics and law from all over the world, which really helped me become more confident speaking English.
I also had time for trips in my free time and at weekends. My colleagues at work were very supportive and flexible when I wanted to travel. For example, I spent a few days in Los Angeles and, as part of my work duties, I also visited the Czech Embassy in Washington, D.C.
What did this experience teach you, or give you, that you value most?
It definitely made me much more independent. When you are far away from your family, you have to learn to stand on your own two feet and manage your budget effectively.
I also improved my English significantly, including my vocabulary in more specialised fields. I gained a broader global perspective and realised just how happy I actually am living in Europe.
What advice would you give to students considering a similar internship abroad?
Just go for it! Going abroad and gaining work experience in another country is an incredibly valuable experience. The main thing is not to be afraid.
Ready to gain international experience yourself?
Daniel's story shows how Economics and Management Studies, (combined with a little courage :) ), can open doors to the world of international business and diplomacy.
An internship abroad is a great opportunity to put your knowledge into practice, build international connections, improve your professional English and become more independent. Whether you are interested in international business, marketing, data analysis or project management, there are opportunities out there. All it takes is the first step.
Keep an eye on the international mobility and internship opportunities announced on our department and faculty websites, or contact our internship and international mobility coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Pavla Slavíčková, at pavla.slavickova@upol.cz.
Have questions about Daniel’s experience? He will be happy to answer them at daniel.janosek01@upol.cz.
Take the opportunity and start writing your own story!