Time has been flying by here in Prague, and I can’t believe I only have three more weeks left! I’m finally starting to feel like a local when I walk to work and don’t smile at anyone or catch myself staring at random people on the metro or tram. Besides the cultural aspects I’ve been immersed in, I also find myself developing with this internship experience at Artiseme. While it hasn’t all been what I hoped for out of this internship program, I am starting to feel more confident about entering another internship or job position purely based on the experience and exposure to the office culture I am receiving, even if it’s in a different country. 

At Artiseme, one of my responsibilities has been developing a website for one of their brands using an online web development platform. This project has been a comprehensive combination of web design principles and listening to my head about aesthetic and visual decisions. From crafting responsive layouts to integrating user-friendly functionalities, I’ve become more comfortable with my technical skills. Because I grew up in a digital age, I always just thought of myself as being good with a computer. Still, this direct exposure to working with actual tasks and seeing the behind-the-scenes of a company website has been eye-opening.

I’ve also taken on the role of reaching out to and communicating with developers on behalf of Artiseme. I did this by creating a detailed brief about what the company is, what tasks we needed assistance with, and our end goals. This aspect of my internship has been instrumental in refining my communication skills. I have developed skills in effectively conveying project requirements and coordinating tasks with stakeholders, showing me the importance of clarity and diplomacy in professional interactions. I also learned how to be selective with what I say and when I share it. I will continue to have to guide the developers to tweak our website so everything is how we want it to be. 

Another part of my internship has been researching potential pop-up shop locations across different countries. This task has provided insights into market analysis and consumer behavior. Analyzing demographic data and cultural trends has broadened my understanding of global markets and the strategic considerations involved in expanding a brand’s footprint internationally. It’s been a dynamic exercise in applying theoretical knowledge to a real-world scenario and navigating the complexities of global business environments. I’ve also begun developing a business plan for Artiseme’s pop-up expansion. Integrating market research findings into actionable strategies and defining potential business outcomes has opened my eyes to the amount of work and thought that goes into developing a business. Also, as someone who wants to work internationally after college, I have been able to become familiar with the complexities that come with globalization. 

I have also practiced or strengthened many soft skills at Artiseme. A key lesson has been learning to pace myself effectively. Initially feeling pressured to maintain constant productivity, I’ve been able to adapt to structured work sessions with brief breaks, enhancing both focus and stamina. This approach ensures my brain actually stays on throughout the day. Adaptability and navigating an international workplace have also taught me to adjust communication and understand diverse cultures. This has broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to collaborate globally (although it still massively helps if we speak the same language). These skills have prepared me to thrive in dynamic environments, which is necessary in our ever-changing world. For my personal goals of travel and such, I’m going to need to continue being adaptable and open-minded. 

This past week in Prague, my friends and I tried some new spots around town and celebrated the 4th of July together. I was feeling painfully patriotic in Europe this year, and that was the one day I actually wished I was back in my country. It was a little bittersweet feeling homesick that day; though I am sad that my European escapade is coming to an end, it will be refreshing to be back in my country. However, I had a nice time celebrating here with my American friends in my program. I also made a trip to the Praha Zoo, which had an incredible variety of animals! I decided to stay in Prague this weekend for a much-needed rest after working a 9-5 all week and then immediately traveling on the weekend. I didn’t do much but catch up on sleep and go on some nice walks. I can’t wait to see everything that the last three weeks in Prague will hold!