Landing an Internship in the Czech Republic: My Journey s Tips | by Michaela

When I first started looking for an internship, I wasn’t sure where to begin. I knew it would be a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build my career prospects, but the process felt overwhelming. Where should I apply? How do I stand out? What if I don’t get any responses?

As a student of IBB – International Business at the Prague University of Economics and English, I quickly realized that securing an internship requires more than just sending out a few applications. It takes strategy, persistence, and sometimes a bit of luck. In this post, I’ll share my experience of finding an internship and the key lessons I learned along the way. If you’re currently searching for one, I hope these insights help you land the opportunity that’s right for you!

Starting the Search

The first step was figuring out where to look. I explored various job portals like jobs.cz, but I find that the best opportunities are on LinkedIn. I attended the career fair Šance here at VŠE and talked directly to the representatives of the companies.

One of the biggest challenges I faced was getting the first reaction. At first, I sent out dozens of applications without much success, which was frustrating. However, I soon realized that quality matters more than quantity. Instead of applying everywhere, I started tailoring my CV and motivational letter to each company, and that made all the difference.

Application Selection Process

Once I refined my approach, I started seeing better results. Instead of generic applications, I researched each company and adjusted my application accordingly.

Until I received the final offer, it took time. There are dozens of applicants each month, so you need to stand out from the crowd. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the company directly, and definitely don’t be afraid to be annoying. Talent acquisition screens many

applicants each month, so you have to make yourself memorable. Call and write. If you feel like they forgot about you, remind them you are still there. At the end of the day, the worst they can say is no.

After 3 rounds of interviews – on the phone, online, and on the phone again – I finally received my job offer. This whole process took me 5 months. So definitely start looking early if you want to secure a position ahead. Outside of the Czech Republic, it is standard procedure that summer internship applications open in January.

Internship Experience

Starting my internship at L’Oréal was both exciting and nerve-wracking. My role as a PR intern is exciting but requires a lot of responsibility, too. My company is very flexible and understands that my studies are my priority. I currently work 28 hours a week, and most internships require you to work between 20-30 hours per week in the Czech Republic.

So, my tips for securing an internship are:

  • Start early: Many students wait until the last minute to start looking for internships, but opportunities fill up fast.
  • Utilize university resources: Our university offers career services, networking events, and job fairs – take advantage of them!
  • Tailor your application: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Customize your CV and motivational letter for each role.
  • Stay resilient: Rejections are part of the process. Stay persistent, learn from feedback, and don’t give up!

Securing an internship as a university student can be challenging, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. My internship at L’Oréal helped me grow both professionally and personally, and I now feel more prepared for the next steps in my career.