My internship in Prague has come to a close, and it is an experience that has fundamentally reshaped my perspective—personally, academically, and professionally. I’m now in Italy with my family and we’re going home to the US in a few days. The last two months have been filled with wonderful experiences and I’m very satisfied with my choice to do this International Internship Program in Prague.
Stepping into the city of Prague felt like walking into a something you see in the movies, but what truly made this experience come to life was the opportunity to immerse myself in its culture and professional world. My role at Nekrachni, a vibrant local company, was to create content and marketing strategies for the English version of their app. It was a hands-on, real-world application of the skills I’ve been developing at Pitt, and a unique chance to contribute to a company’s international growth. Beyond the office, I was able to travel and explore so many diverse countries, from the bustling streets of Paris to the tranquil lakes of Switzerland. Each new city and each new interaction deepened my understanding of the world. This experience was not just a line on a resume; it was a a journey filled with unforgettable moments and lifelong connections with amazing people.
Looking back on the growth I’ve experienced, I’d say this internship taught me the realities of a small, agile company. I was no longer a student working on hypothetical projects; I was a key part of a small team, and my work directly impacted the company’s goals. I learned to navigate the nuances of marketing to an international audience. I gained firsthand experience in content creation, social media strategy, and data analysis—skills I had only ever studied in a classroom.
One of the biggest skills I gained from the experience was the ability to be proactive and adaptable. The autonomy I was given forced me to problem-solve on the fly and take ownership of my work in a way that’s simply not possible in a traditional classroom setting. Many of my tasks didn’t have specific directions so I had to be innovative in the way that I completed them. I was able to learn new softwares and create things that I didn’t know I could make.
The growth I’ve experienced living in Prague feels as monumental as the professional and academic gains. I arrived with a mix of excitement and apprehension, but navigating a new public transit system, communicating in a foreign language, and finding my way through unfamiliar neighborhoods taught me an independence and self-reliance I didn’t know I had. Beyond the daily logistics, this experience profoundly broadened my perspective. I learned to appreciate life in a different culture, challenging my own assumptions about work-life balance, social interactions, and community. Above all, the lifelong bonds I formed with my colleagues in this program were the highlights of this program. I am returning home not just with new skills, but with connections with people I can appreciate.
On a personal level, the growth has been just as significant. I’ve become more confident and independent, navigating a foreign city and language with a sense of adventure. There were rough learning curves, like when I was stranded overnight in a small town in Germany. I was taking a train from Berlin to Paris, and I missed the overnight train connection. This was incredibly stressful, but I persevered and found a place to stay, booked a train the next morning, and enjoyed Paris for the rest of the weekend with my friends. This example isn’t something I’d classify as being extremely difficult to navigate but having the experience that I can learn and grow from was the important part.
As I return to the University of Pittsburgh, I’m excited to share my experiences and apply the lessons I’ve learned. I want to advocate for the power of immersive experiences and encourage my peers to seek out opportunities that push them to grow. In my future career, I now have a clearer vision. The marketing and content creation skills I refined at Nekrachni have given me something to consider as a career path. The individual growth that I gained from working in a foreign country has prepared me to tackle any challenge that comes my way. I am now more certain than ever that my future lies in a career with an international scope, where I can continue to use my skills to connect with people across borders.