My name is Kiran Iarocci, and I’m heading into my junior year at the University of Pittsburgh. I’m currently double majoring in Finance and Global Management, with a minor in Spanish. I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of business, culture, and communication. I’m interested in how organizations grow across borders, how international markets function, and how language shapes connection and trust across cultures. At Pitt, I’ve taken courses in international business, economic development, and intercultural communication that have strengthened my interest in global strategy and socially responsible business. This summer, I’m getting the opportunity to apply those interests in a real-world setting through an internship with Nekrachni, a fintech startup based in Prague, Czech Republic.
This summer, I’ll be participating in the International Internship Program in Prague, Czech Republic, where I’ll be interning with Nekrachni in a role focused on marketing and content creation. The company’s mission to provide free, independent, and engaging financial education through a mobile app and in-person workshops immediately caught my attention. Their focus on financial literacy—especially for Gen Z audiences—is not only socially important, but also deeply relevant to current global trends in education, technology, and finance. It aligns perfectly with my academic background and my professional goal of working at the intersection of business and social impact. I’m excited about contributing to their creative strategy, producing videos and written content, and learning how a small company like Nekrachni connects with a growing audience in the digital space.
I chose this program because I wanted to gain hands-on experience in an international business environment while immersing myself in a culture that’s completely new to me. Prague stood out as a city that blends rich history with modern innovation. These are qualities I admire both personally and professionally. I’m looking forward to the challenge of adapting to a new culture, working with a small, agile team, and pushing myself to grow both inside and outside the office. Interning at a startup will give me the chance to learn how decisions are made in a fast-paced environment, and how flexibility, creativity, and teamwork contribute to success.
Prague is an incredibly exciting city to live in. I’ve been especially drawn to its architecture, history, food, and culture—all of which I look forward to exploring during my time abroad. I’m excited to visit the city’s many castles and churches, each with its own unique story and design. From Old Town Square to Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge, every part of the city feels like a piece of living history. One of the added benefits of living in Prague is its central location in Europe, which makes it easy to travel to nearby countries I’ve always wanted to visit, such as Austria, Hungary, and Germany. I’ve already started learning some basic Czech, and one of my goals is to continue practicing so I can confidently walk into a café and order in the local language. Immersing myself in the culture, even in small, everyday moments, is something I’m really looking forward to.
Personally, I hope this experience helps me become more independent—not just in navigating daily life in a new city, but in adapting to a new professional setting as well. Living and working abroad will push me to rely on my own resourcefulness, build confidence, and stay open to learning from both successes and mistakes. I know that I may find it difficult to adjust to a new workplace at first, especially one that operates in a different cultural and linguistic context, but I’m eager to expand my comfort zone. I think this internship is the perfect way to do so—by facing real-life challenges while working for a startup that’s using technology and storytelling to make a positive difference. Professionally, I’m hoping to improve not only my creative and strategic thinking but also to gain a deeper understanding of how mission-driven companies operate and grow from the inside out. I hope to contribute meaningfully while also developing key skills that I can take into future roles, such as strategic thinking, cross-cultural communication, and creative problem-solving.
I’m ready to challenge myself, learn from others, and return home with new perspectives, stories, and skills that will shape my personal and professional journey long after this summer ends. More than just an internship, I see this experience as a stepping stone toward becoming a more globally minded, thoughtful, and adaptable professional. I’m grateful for the chance to live, work, and grow in a place as dynamic and inspiring as Prague.