TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF WHAT THE SCHOOL OFFERS

Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive

AMIT GRINVALD

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, 2016

I chose UNYP because it offered exactly what I was looking for: an international environment, small classrooms, and the dual degree program that gave me a recognized qualification both in Europe and the US. What I didn’t realise at the time was just how much the school would shape not only my education, but also the course of my career.

As a Business Administration student, I found myself surrounded by international faculty and classmates from all over the world. Every class felt like a global conversation, and the practical approach made it easy to see how theory connected to real-world business challenges. The small class sizes meant that professors really knew us, and, in my case, one of them even offered me my very first job after graduation. That opportunity set me on a path where I eventually headed global business operations for the company.

Outside of the classroom, UNYP gave me the space to build something meaningful. While serving on the Student Council, I founded TEDxUNYP, a student-led initiative that, 10 years later, has grown into one of the largest TEDx events in Central Europe. That experience not only gave me a platform to bring new ideas to Prague but also sparked a career in public speaking and communication that I still carry forward today.

What stands out most to me now are the lifelong connections. Some of my closest friends and professional collaborators come from my time at the university, and they continue to inspire me years after graduation. UNYP wasn’t just a university experience – it became the foundation for so much of what I’ve built since.

My advice to students: If you want to get the most out of your degree, be a good student. Take the extra steps to do more than is expected of you. It may sound obvious, but it’s the only way to truly stand out.

DANAI BAOURAKI

BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION AND MASS MEDIA, 2016, MASTER OF STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION, 2019, MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA), 2025

I chose UNYP because it offered everything I wanted: an English-language education, small classrooms, and a double degree recognised in both the EU and the US, all while staying in Prague.

What I didn’t expect, though, was how much UNYP would stay with me through every stage of my life.

As a Communication & Mass Media student, I found a global community where every conversation broadened my world. The flexible schedule let me work part-time, and put what I learned into practice right away. Leading the Model United Nations Club and joining the Student Council made UNYP feel like home, a place where ideas, friendships, and ambitions came to life.

After graduating, I joined Unilever, but I soon returned for my master’s in Strategic Communication. The weekend program fit perfectly around my career, and reconnecting with classmates reminded me that UNYP isn’t just a university, it’s a community that evolves with you.

Now, as an MBA student, I realise the university has been the constant in my personal and professional journey, the place that always pushes me to grow, learn, and discover more about myself.

My advice to students: Take full advantage of what the school offers. It’s not just about what you study, it’s about who you become along the way.

ROBIN NGUYEN

BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION AND MASS MEDIA, 2017

When I was choosing where to study, I knew I wanted an education with a truly global scope. Czech universities offer excellent programs with a strong European focus, but as a child of immigrants, I was looking for something broader, an environment that would reflect the diversity and openness of the world I wanted to live in. That’s why I chose the University of New York in Prague.

My time at UNYP was transformative. I was surrounded by an international community of students whose different backgrounds and upbringings constantly challenged my perspective and expanded my understanding. Beyond the classroom, being part of the Student Council gave me the opportunity to contribute to the student community and develop leadership skills that I still use today.

I majored in Communication and Mass Media, which became the foundation of my professional journey. After graduation, I started my career in online marketing as a junior specialist. Over the years, I grew into more strategic roles in media planning and brand management. Today, I run my own business, a multifunctional creative space and event venue that serves both the creative community and corporate clients, helping them express their ideas and visions in unique ways.

My advice to students: Take your time at university to explore your abilities. Don’t just focus on hard skills, use this period as a safe space to discover who you are and what truly excites you. And never underestimate the power of building a strong network – the relationships you form at school can become some of the most valuable connections in your professional life.