pbnatnyu-blog
in which i take on college
a blog of little adventures
1 posts
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
Last Seen Blogs
Text
Building your career at NYU Prague
I came to Prague knowing absolutely nothing about the Czech Republic, short of what I was taught during the study abroad orientation held in November in Kimmel. It was the best decision I could’ve made for my sophomore spring. Not only did I meet new people and make new friends, but I also rekindled old friendships and became immersed in a culture I would otherwise not have experienced. I learned some Czech and sampled other parts of Europe. I also started to build my career and explore different career paths through an internship.
I’m currently an intern at CEE Bankwatch Network, an NGO that operates in Central Eastern Europe, monitoring energy projects in the area, their financiers, and their ecological impacts. Working at CEE Bankwatch as a Research and Campaigns Intern broadened my horizons. I’ve worked in government before-- in fact, I spent my sophomore fall interning at the New York City Department of Buildings. I’ve interned at my father’s startup. I’ve worked as a researcher for an website. I even have a summer job as a lifeguard. But never have I experienced working for an NGO. I’m glad CEE Bankwatch opened up this pathway.
I found out about CEE Bankwatch through NYU, as it was listed as a non-credit internship. A week later, I found myself interviewing for the position. In February, I heard back and was asked when I could start. It’s a great environment to work in. The office is unassuming, on the third floor of a building in Prague 9, a 30 minute tram ride from where I live in Prague 2. It’s filled with plants and quite cozy. The furniture is all wooden, and there are about 15 employees sitting at their desks. It’s quite casual, people are super friendly, it’s international, and everyone wears jeans. I love it.
My position entails organizing some logistics for an activist gathering in the Republic of Georgia hosted by CEE Bankwatch. In addition, I’m researching hydropower in the West Balkans. That’s basically former Yugoslavia plus Bulgaria. I’m looking for any updates on projects as well as sponsors and/or financiers of the projects. It’s actually quite interesting, because I never knew how many hydropower projects were out there, as well as how damaging to the local people and local environment they could be. I’ve learned that “clean” energy isn’t always as clean as it seems. It’s been eye-opening, to say the least.
This experience has been amazing for me so far because I’m not one-hundred percent sure what exactly I want to do with my life. Interning at an NGO has allowed me to explore one of several career options. I’ve met some really driven people with a slew of backgrounds and gotten an inside look at real local and environmental issues.
Overall, I recommend coming to Prague and I definitely recommend looking into CEE Bankwatch Network for internships. I’ve come away with a better understanding of my interests and a better understanding of Central Europe.
0 notes