Megan Ashley McComb
Studentka 1. ročníku navazujícího magisterského studia Innovation Project Management a držitelka Mimořádného stipendia Miroslava Vlčka za přínos k internacionalizaci pražských veřejných vysokých škol a vysokého školství v České republice.
When deciding to move from the US to the Czech Republic for bachelor studies in 2020, I didn't know what to expect culturally or academically. Admittedly, my level of mathematical knowledge was not very high (my high school studies are from a performing arts school), but I knew that no matter the challenge, this opportunity was the best one for me to cash flow all my higher education while receiving a very high quality of education. Therefore, I knew in my heart that I had to do it and do it well.
I arrived in Prague in 2021 after a long struggle for my study visa due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and upon arrival I faced some culture shock, most notably difficulty with Czech language. This remains to be a struggle today, but I manage. Overall, Prague is an immeasurably beautiful city with a rich history and efficient public transport that puts many other European capitals to shame, while at the same time being a very safe city.
During my bachelor’s degree, I must admit, I spent most of my free time studying, and when I wasn’t, I was working or taking a day hiking trip to a nearby area with great trails (Karlštejn). However, this grind was necessary because Czech university studies are challenging, especially in such a math and analytically-dense program as our Economics and Management BSc. During my bachelor’s degree studies I received help and guidance from our insightful and inspiring professors who really helped me understand what field I wanted to pursue in the future. My studies at UCT also taught me how to be more self-disciplined in all areas of life and how to be a skills-based and action-oriented person, not held back by anxiety.
In my last year of bachelor’s studies, I was selected for an internship in our international office as an admissions representative. This has allowed me to apply knowledge that I learned in many areas from my bachelor’s degree to real life as I continue my master’s degree in our School of Business. I feel so honored to help other students globally access a higher education that will take their careers to the next level. During my studies, I learned how to market myself as a brand, as well as the ideas I have to gain traction and turn these ideas into a reality. In 2023, I have already initiated several new “pet-projects” to apply concepts learned in my bachelor’s degree to increase the value of our School of Business for international students, such as the creation of the International Business Club and processes for students to hold events at our university.
As I study now in our Innovation Project Management MSc program, I am preparing for my future career in Quality Management, and I have no doubts that this education will equip me best for my future, and I cannot recommend our programs more for other determined students globally.
zima 2023