When did you finish your studies at FEL?
I finished my studies at FEL in 2021 with a degree in engineering.
What field of study did you do at FEL?
I studied Commercial Electrical Engineering, both in the Bachelor's degree and follow-up Master's degree.
Why did you decide to study at FEL in Pilsen?
Honestly, it was quite a big coincidence. I chose the Secondary Medical School as my secondary school, which I did not enjoy at all. Unfortunately, the vocational subjects were only in the 3rd year, and I didn't want to change my major in high school. I took many math and physics classes, which I enjoyed, and got good results. So I was looking for a field where I could apply that, and I visited FEL on an open day, and that was it.
How would you rate the attitude and support from the school - teachers and course supervisors?
The approach has always been very individual, but if the lecturer saw that you were trying hard, going and fulfilling your responsibilities, they were always 100% accommodating. I felt it even more in the follow-up studies, when the lecturers knew us by name, and the approach was then much more individual, and they took us more as colleagues than students.
How would you rate the approach and support from the Study Office?
Whenever I talk to friends from other faculties, I get more and more convinced that our study officers are the most amazing women in the world. They always managed to come up with the impossible, and as students, we left feeling that we had solved the problem and, most importantly, that someone was willing to solve it with us. So, if you're solving a problem, come to them sooner rather than later, and they won't rip your head off.
How do you rate the quality of the courses you studied?
Generally speaking, I rate the quality of the courses rather positively. Of course, the first years are challenging and very theoretical, but in the third year, you have those AHA moments, and you think, "Yeah, that's why we learned it."
Then, it always depended on the particular supervisor, how the course was structured, and what the outcome was going to be. Today, with hindsight, I think it would have been nice to go for more modern ways of teaching rather than just sitting in a lecture and listening to someone read a PowerPoint presentation and maybe involve colleagues in practice more.
How do you evaluate the possibility of participating in research activities during your studies at FEL?
There were undoubtedly opportunities if students wanted to. I know that several of my classmates were involved in printed electronics and sensors, and they mainly collaborated on their bachelor's and then master's theses. I personally had no research ambitions.
Did you work while studying - internships, involvement in faculty activities, employment outside the Faculty?
I worked throughout my studies, but it was not in the field.
In my third year, I joined the student organization FEL Coordinators, and this enabled me to participate in activities for students not only in our Faculty but also throughout the University.
Is there anything you missed in your studies regarding future employment?
The fact that my focus wasn't purely technical, but we also learned methods for process improvement, how to lead projects, and basic management skills, so I got a very nice foundation to build on, and I have more of those general skills that are useful in business. At the same time, I also have a foundation in the technical part, which helps me communicate with the technical departments and makes our collaboration easier.
How did you go about finding a job after graduation?
I started looking for a job before I graduated. I wrote to a friend who worked as a quality engineer in a company, and then I looked at kdejinde.cz.
How long did it take you to find a job after graduation?
That was really quick. I sent two CVs at the end of January, went for an interview at the beginning of February, and had two offers within a week. Based on the job description, location, and benefits, I decided on ČEZ Prodej, and I started working on March 1, only because I wanted to. Otherwise, I could have started during February.
Do you work in the region where you come from?
Yes, I work in Pilsen. Since January 2024, I have changed my position within the group, and I commute once a week, sometimes twice, to Prague, where I have all my colleagues and regular meetings.
What position did you join ČEZ, Prodej a.s. How were your first days at the company?
My first position was Process Specialist, where I was in charge of methodologies and process improvement of the products entrusted to me.
On the first days, I had training to work with the system and go through our business processes; this lasted about a month. Then, a colleague took over, and I started shadowing her. These positions were often filled by people from the line because it was hard for someone from the outside to get in. After a year, She admitted to me that she was skeptical about it from experience and thought I would give up, as many before me had. After six months, she understood why our manager had brought me on to the team; I had brought something a little different and with a different mindset than those who had it down pat. We were able to make a lot of interesting changes and projects because of that. Together with two other colleagues, we formed a team, a stellar trio where everything worked nicely, and because of that, I have two amazing friends.
Are you working in the field you studied?
I would say yes. Of course, I don't count short circuits anywhere or run a power plant, but I can manage projects, and I know how to use process improvement tools. At the same time, I understand how a photovoltaic plant or a heat pump works, and that has come in handy more than once.
What position are you working in now?
I currently work as an SLA manager at ČEZ Prodej, a.s.
How do you see working in this position from your point of view?
It is a position where you need to communicate well, be meticulous, and, at the same time, stand up for yourself. From my position, I take steps and measures to meet SLAs. Based on input and analysis, I determine the current status and then communicate the results to the affected colleagues and management. What is good, where I see a problem for the future, or I come up with suggestions for other ways of measuring SLA if it makes sense to me. I also come up with suggestions for steps and measures to make SLA better. Plus, I don't deny the "process guy" in me, so I help where needed and what makes sense to me, and what leads to improved customer experience, processes, planning, and relationships between colleagues. 😊
What is your driving force for working at ČEZ Prodej, a.s., and how do you recharge your batteries after working hours? Do you manage to combine work and leisure activities?
For me, it's definitely my colleagues. I have a super energetic team around me and a great manager who is a great inspiration and support. At the same time, I'm doing work that gives me a sense of purpose.
The biggest battery recharge for me is traveling, when you completely switch off the worries of work and enjoy being there. Throughout the year, my partner is a great support for me, a bit unexpectedly also a graduate of FEL, with whom we go for walks in nature or just for a beer with friends. I like to read books a lot, so I also find relaxing afternoons with a book or when I don't have to talk much and no one talks to me.
What are your prospects for future career development?
I am currently improving my project management skills. Quite often, there is a need to react flexibly to the market, and you need to manage such changes quickly and effectively. In the future, I would like to lead a smaller team of specialists who are just involved in process improvement, and the next steps are also to improve people management skills. I feel a lot of support from my manager, with whom I have now prepared a plan to improve these skills of mine so that I will be equipped when such an opportunity comes. However, I am still a newbie with a lot to learn, and the right opportunity will come when the time is right, and it will be worth waiting a while for. At least for us, the way it works is that opportunities will come if you're smart and have passion.
What do you think is the most significant benefit of studying at FEL?
I perceive the most significant benefit is that I have learned how to look up information from verified sources, complete assignments within the deadline, and have some insight into new technologies and how to use them.
In conclusion, like many others, I cursed the days I ever set foot in the Faculty, mostly during exam time when it was really busy. Suppose I look at it now with hindsight. In that case, I am glad that I put in the effort and do not regret my decision to study at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. I remember my time at college fondly, and I have had many experiences and friends for my whole life. At the same time, I gained a technical education that will definitely be preserved. In the competitive battle, I will always have it a little easier than my colleagues from the humanities.
You have the future in your hands and will never be lost with tech, IT, or power engineering.