As a PhD student of political science, I continually look for ways to increase my knowledge and reach new experience relevant to my studies and to my next professional life. The Erasmus+ Internship offer by the Institute for Politics and Society therefore appeared to be an interesting opportunity.

I came to the Institute from the internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic and therefore it was interesting to see the difference between the Ministry and the expert think tank. After three months of internship, I can honestly state that my expectations have been pleasantly surpassed. Institute provides wide range of expert activities that offer its interns an opportunity to gained insight and useful knowledge. Institute works in fast-pace and thanks to Šárka Prát’s leadership every intern has the opportunity to enjoy work in a highly professional and very friendly environment.

As a part of my internship I have been given the opportunity to participate in a many of activities. As a most beneficial I consider publishing of policy papers and reports from events organized by the Institute. All of this under the guidance of analyst Romano Máca, whose advices and guidelines have always been inspiring and useful. Every intern has the opportunity to develop their skills in the organizing of events, administrative work, or fulfilling the tasks of everyday think-tank work.

The highlight of the internship for me was the organization of the Conference Digital Czech Republic which took place in prestigious places of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and thanks to the participation of representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Government of the Czech Republic, we can consider it at as a European level conference. The well-managed conference organization of such a size has only underlined the professionalism of the entire team working on the Institute and the importance of the guests who attended Conference-best illustrates the prestige of the Institute for Politics and Society itself.

In particular, one of the most valuable factors for me were the other interns. Institute takes care of the selection of quality young people from all over the world, cooperation with whom is cultural and personal enrichment. As another great benefit of the internship, I consider the knowledge acquisition from various fields, the development of analytical and writing skills, and the opportunity to improve foreign languages.

This Institute located in the centre of Prague has provided me with a pleasant three months, which has been a great opportunity for my professional development and the acquisition of experience, which will work for me during my next professional life and for which I am grateful to Institute’s members. I believe that my words are the best recommendation for everyone who is considering an internship in this institution.

11/2018 – 02/2019