Reflecting on the past two years of my master’s studies at VŠCHT Praha - UCT Prague, I’m filled with gratitude and a sense of accomplishment. After completing my degree in Chemistry and working at IOCB Prague - Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, I decided to pursue two degrees in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Innovation Project Management. The beginning was intense, balancing a full load of 60 credits, managing social media for the student association Tutoři, and being a member of the Intensive Part of Consulting Club 307. To gain practical experience and and balance my workload effectively, I adjusted my Project Management schedule in the spring semester.
In May 2023, I started as a Marketing Trainee at GSK, which soon became Haleon. I transitioned from brand marketing to expert marketing, and during this time, I also earned several certifications: BCG WOMentoring from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Managerial Skills (Soft Skills) from Procter & Gamble, and Fundamentals of Digital Marketing from Google Digital Garage.
Thanks to IAESTE, I spent the summer in University of Bayreuth in Germany, working on structural crystallography - a challenging but rewarding project. By October, I joined the leadership team of Club 307, aiming to give back to a community that had taught me so much. In June this year, I graduated with honors, and I’m hopeful to complete my second degree next year.
I realize that none of this is a given, and I am deeply grateful for the support of my family and the incredible people around me in my professional circle. Special thanks to the best person I’ve met in academia, professor Petr Zámostný. Not only is he brilliant (as are many in academia), but also visionary and incredibly kind. If I ever return to academia, it will be largely due to his influence. Additionally, I am very thankful for my understanding and supportive manager, Jana Havrilová - I couldn't be such a multitasker without you.
While I don’t feel experienced enough to give advice, here are three observations from my journey:
1. I wouldn't take on so much that I neglect my health and fitness again - it’s harder to recover than to maintain.
2. Choosing the right life partner has been the most important career decision I’ve made.
3. Doing the internship was a valuable experience, even though it was outside my career path.
Looking forward to what’s next!
Felix Perez, CEO Research Director
1moJames Shevchuk's insights must be invaluable after 11 years of mentoring! Looking forward to hearing his top tips for success.