Storytelling – Ernilac

Full interview – Daniela Akrmanová

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Daniela Akrmanová. I originally come from the Czech Republic (Liberec) and have been working in Germany since 2024.

What and where did you study?

I first studied Business Administration at the Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz (HSZG). I then completed the International Management master’s programme at the International Institute Zittau (IHI) of TU Dresden. During my bachelor’s degree, I also spent an Erasmus semester in Spain.

Why did you choose this degree programme?

I chose Business Administration because, after finishing school, I wasn’t yet sure which career path I wanted to pursue, and the degree offers a wide range of professional options. I chose the master’s in International Management because I wanted to deepen my knowledge and explore international topics such as business ethics. The proximity to my home region was also an important factor.

What practical skills did you acquire during your studies?

During my studies, I significantly improved my German language skills, learned to understand complex content in a foreign language, developed independence and critical thinking, and gained confidence in presenting. I also learned to work successfully in international teams.

What is your current position, and what does your work involve?

I have been working at an auditing firm in Dresden since 2024 as a Junior Auditor. I now independently conduct audits of smaller companies and am taking on increasing responsibility in annual financial statement audits.

Could you briefly describe your professional career since graduating?

During my studies, I already worked at Knorr-Bremse in Liberec, where I also wrote my thesis. After completing my master’s degree, I stayed with the company for another year. At the same time, I was looking for a new position in Germany and, in 2024, moved to my current auditing firm in Dresden.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduating?

After completing my master’s degree, I initially stayed in my existing position at Knorr-Bremse. Finding a new position in Germany took some time, as many applications went unanswered. It was only in 2024 that I found my current position in Dresden.

What professional achievement are you particularly proud of so far?

I am particularly proud of having studied in Germany and then successfully entering a well-regarded German auditing firm. I also consider it a major achievement to have successfully completed my probationary period and to now be able to conduct audits independently.

Did you also look for a job outside the Euroregion Neisse?

No. I only looked for positions within the region, at most as far as Dresden, and did not want to move further into other parts of Germany.

Why did you decide to stay in the region?

I stayed because of my family, my friends, and my strong connection to the Euroregion Neisse. I also value the cross-border, international environment shared by Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland, as well as the proximity to nature.

Did you have contact with regional employers during your studies?

Yes. Already during my studies, I worked as a working student at Knorr-Bremse in Liberec, where I gained practical experience in purchasing and in working together with German colleagues.

What advice would you give to today’s students who are considering a career in the Euroregion Neisse?

Students should consistently improve their German language skills, get through the first two semesters in particular, and not give up. I would also recommend forming study groups, working internationally, and not becoming discouraged by setbacks in the job search.

Full interview – Tereza Tucková

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Tereza Tucková. I come from the Czech Republic, where I live, and I work in Germany.

What and where did you study?

From 2016 to 2018 I studied the International Management master’s programme at the International Institute Zittau (IHI). Before that, I completed a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in the Czech Republic.

Why did you choose this degree programme?

After my bachelor’s degree I wanted to learn German, so I spent a year at the University of Passau, where I reached C1 level. I then looked for a German university close to my home country and chose the IHI Zittau. I was also drawn to the challenge of studying in German at a German institution.

What practical skills did you acquire during your studies?

During my studies I further developed my communication skills in German and English, improved my written German, and learned to work together in international teams.

What is your current position, and what does your work involve?

I work as a secretary at the International Institute Zittau and, at the same time, as a project assistant on the DNK project. My responsibilities include communication, organisation, and coordinating meetings, as well as administrative support.

Could you briefly describe your professional career since graduating?

After graduating, I first worked in the Czech Republic at Škoda Auto as a secretary in the corporate development and digitalisation department, supporting the management of the executive board and supervisory board. I later moved to the International Institute Zittau.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduating?

I found my first job in less than a month after graduating.

What professional achievement are you particularly proud of so far?

I am especially proud of my first position at Škoda Auto, since it was based at top-management level. I am also proud of later securing a position at the International Institute Zittau despite not being a native German speaker.

Did you also look for a job outside the Euroregion Neisse?

No. I deliberately wanted to stay in the region and did not look for a job outside the Euroregion.

Why did you decide to stay in the region?

I decided to stay in the region because my family and friends live there and I feel rooted there.

Did you have contact with regional employers during your studies?

No. During my studies I focused on my studies and did not have contact with regional employers.

What advice would you give to today’s students who are considering a career in the Euroregion Neisse?

I recommend that students deliberately build up their language skills, especially in German. They should also get to know cultural differences, travel, take part in workshops and student activities, and make use of cross-border opportunities.

Full interview – Nikola Gottlieberová

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Nikola Gottlieberová. I come from the Czech Republic, but I now live and work in Germany.

What and where did you study?

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Business and Languages at the Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz in Görlitz. I then studied the Business Ethics and Responsible Management master’s programme at the International Institute Zittau (IHI).

Why did you choose this degree programme?

I chose to study in Germany because I wanted to improve my German language skills. Görlitz was also easy to reach from my hometown, and the cost of living was considerably lower than in Prague.

What practical skills did you acquire during your studies?

During my studies I developed intercultural competencies, improved my German and English, and gained skills in interpreting and translation. I also acquired foundations in economics, accounting, marketing and management.

What is your current position, and what does your work involve?

I work at the IHI Zittau as a reviewer on the German Sustainability Code project. I review companies’ sustainability reports and provide feedback. I also support project applications, work together with the Technical University of Liberec, and occasionally teach classes in German and English.

Could you briefly describe your professional career since graduating?

Even before completing my master’s degree, I received an offer to work at the Chair of Environmental Management. After graduating successfully, I began working at the IHI Zittau straight away.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduating?

I didn’t need to actively search for a job, since I received the offer before finishing my degree. About two months passed between the offer and starting work — the offer came in November and I started in January.

What professional achievement are you particularly proud of so far?

I am particularly proud of contributing to a project application, where I took on responsibility under considerable time pressure, organised meetings, and received very positive feedback for my work.

Did you also look for a job outside the Euroregion Neisse?

No. I wanted to stay in the region and received a suitable offer even before actively searching for a job.

Why did you decide to stay in the region?

I deliberately wanted to stay in the region. Before I could apply for other positions, I had already received the offer at the IHI Zittau and accepted it.

Did you have contact with regional employers during your studies?

Yes. During my studies I worked as a student assistant for professors, supported research projects, organised alumni events, proofread Czech texts, and also worked as a guide at the Haus Schminke in Löbau. I also completed internships that gave me valuable contacts.

What advice would you give to today’s students who are considering a career in the Euroregion Neisse?

Students should look for internships and career opportunities early, build contacts, and gain practical experience already during their studies. It makes sense to think about your future career path early on and prepare for it deliberately.

Full interview – Hana Holasová

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

Hana Holasová, Czech Republic — both in terms of residence and nationality; I currently live in the Liberec area.

What and where did you study?

It all began in the six-year German department of the F. X. Šalda Grammar School in Liberec. During my school years I completed a one-year exchange placement in Germany, in Bavaria, at the partner school — the Steigerwald-Landschulheim grammar school in Wiesentheid. After finishing school and obtaining the German Abitur, I studied Business Administration with a focus on Marketing at a German institution, the Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz.

Why did you choose this degree programme?

I was looking for a business degree programme. I applied to the Technical University of Liberec and to the Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz. I was accepted at both, but I couldn’t picture myself studying in Czech. I was interested in marketing — communicating with people and tailoring products and offers to their needs.

What practical skills did you gain during your studies?

Analysing company figures, production planning, defining target customer groups, the basics of statistics, and conducting my own surveys.

What is your current position, and what does your work involve?

I work as head of the Czech team at Sparkasse, a regional bank based in Zittau. I lead a team of several employees, am responsible for the bank’s Czech representation in the Czech Republic, and act as the contact point for the Czech National Bank. At the same time, I work as a mortgage advisor, focusing on financing for Czech citizens who live and buy property in the Czech Republic but work in Germany and earn their income in euros. I provide comprehensive cross-border advice, addressing country-specific particularities that can be surprising for my clients. I also work as an investment advisor for Czech clients. Since most clients are not familiar with the technical terminology, I serve as a fully trusted source of information and they place complete confidence in me for managing their finances.

Could you briefly describe your professional career since graduating?

10/2009: thesis and degree completion. 09/2009: Sparkasse Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien — bank advisor, specialist for mortgages and corporate clients, later department head.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduating?

I was already working before I had finished my thesis.

What professional achievement are you particularly proud of so far?

We were the first foreign bank to be admitted by the Czech National Bank. I was involved in developing processes for cross-border financing with the registration of a lien under foreign (Czech) law.

Did you also look for a job outside the Euroregion Neisse?

No, thank you.

Why did you decide to stay in the region?

My family is here and I have a good job. The surroundings are beautiful and there is a lot to do here.

Did you have contact with regional employers during your studies?

Not in Germany, but yes in the Czech Republic.

What advice would you give to today’s students who are considering a career in the Euroregion Neisse?

Don’t be afraid to speak a foreign language — people here are very friendly. You may not earn millions here, but for me personally, other values come first. If you want to enjoy life, stay in this region. It’s a perfect place for work-life balance.

Full interview – Jiří Zahradník

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Jiří Zahradník. I am a Czech citizen, live in Liberec and work in Zittau, Saxony.

What and where did you study?

I first studied Industrial Engineering at TU Dresden. I later studied German and History teaching for lower-secondary education at the Faculty of Education of the Technical University of Liberec.

Why did you choose this degree programme?

I saw great potential for my future career in studying at TU Dresden. My studies at the Technical University of Liberec then allowed me to pursue my personal interests: I had been fascinated by history and German since childhood.

What practical skills did you gain during your studies?

I became more independent. My first degree taught me how to find my way in a foreign country and gave me insight into how Czech and German public authorities operate and think. My second degree improved both my German and my computer skills.

What is your current position, and what does your work involve?

I currently work for the Dresden Chamber of Commerce and Industry. My office is in Zittau, where I head the Czech Competence Centre. It establishes cross-border contacts between businesses and provides advice on the Czech and Saxon markets.

Could you briefly describe your professional career since graduating?

I worked briefly for Autobrzdy Hejnice — Knorr-Bremse and then taught at the State Language School in Liberec. In 2004 I became self-employed, working as an interpreter, translator and German teacher. In September 2014 I joined the Dresden Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduating?

I effectively started working while I was still studying, so the transition was completely seamless.

What professional achievement are you particularly proud of so far?

I am proud of every cross-border partnership I have helped establish, and especially of the moments when I learn that I have genuinely helped someone.

Did you also look for a job outside the Euroregion Neisse?

No.

Why did you decide to stay in the region?

I enjoy the wide variety of opportunities that life in the tri-border region offers. Because I love foreign languages, I appreciate being able to use them actively here. I also value the region’s historical connections and the opportunities that living in the EU provides. I enjoy breaking down boundaries of all kinds, and this area is an ideal place to do that.

Did you have contact with regional employers during your studies?

Yes, I did.

What advice would you give to today’s students who are considering a career in the Euroregion Neisse?

Learn languages—especially the languages of our neighbours.

Full interview – Dáša Hrehová

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

I am Dáša Hrehová. I live in the Czech Republic and am a Czech citizen.

What and where did you study?

I studied at the Technical University of Liberec and the International Graduate School Zittau.

Why did you choose this degree programme?

I had always wanted to study something connected with German. I initially specialised in teaching German and later moved on to international management taught in German.

What practical skills did you gain during your studies?

I learned not to be afraid of speaking, strengthened my language and presentation skills, and gained hands-on experience in project work.

What is your current position, and what does your work involve?

I work at the Tourist Centre in Zittau. I coordinate international cooperation with Czech partners, take part in international projects, produce Czech-language information brochures, advise Czech visitors, and create website and social-media content for Czech guests, including the Facebook page ‘Přírodní park Žitavské hory’.

Could you briefly describe your professional career since graduating?

I spent almost a year on Erasmus in London, followed by a year at the Hilton Hotel in Berlin. I then joined the Tourist Centre for the Zittau Mountains Nature Park.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduating?

Virtually immediately.

What professional achievement are you particularly proud of so far?

I am proud to have a varied job in which every day is different—and one that I enjoy enormously.

Did you also look for a job outside the Euroregion Neisse?

Yes. I lived in Berlin for a year.

Why did you decide to stay in the region?

Because of my family and because I have a job that I enjoy.

Did you have contact with regional employers during your studies?

I did not have a supervised placement, unfortunately, but I worked at a hotel reception desk for five years and completed another placement at VCI Dresden.

What advice would you give to today’s students who are considering a career in the Euroregion Neisse?

Keep trying new things—you never know what they may bring. Say yes more often than no. Get involved in a wide variety of activities and fields, create things, explore the world and learn from older people. Join local associations: you will meet many people from the region and learn a great deal.

Full interview – Veronika Lanková

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Veronika Lanková. I live in the Czech Republic and am a Czech citizen.

What and where did you study?

I studied English and German teaching for secondary and lower-secondary education at the Faculty of Education of Charles University in Prague. I also studied English and German teaching for the same age groups at the Faculty of Education of the Technical University of Liberec.

Why did you choose this degree programme?

I had wanted to become a teacher since childhood, and the two languages seemed the natural choice because I took my school-leaving examinations in them. I also considered this combination the most practical for my future prospects on the labour market.

What practical skills did you gain during your studies?

The most practical element was discovering my own abilities through real classroom experience. Independent teaching allowed each student to test how well their theoretical knowledge worked in practice and whether the profession suited them.

What is your current position, and what does your work involve?

I teach German as a second language (DaZ) and English at an Oberschule for pupils in Years 5–10. DaZ involves teaching German in classes for international pupils and supporting their successful integration into German classes and, more broadly, their adaptation to life in Germany.

Could you briefly describe your professional career since graduating?

I worked as an English and German lecturer at the State Language School in Liberec; as a teacher and lecturer at the Business Academy and State Language School in Liberec; as a trainer of primary- and secondary-school English and German teachers at the Liberec Teacher Training Centre; and as a teacher and lecturer for Metropolitan University Prague in Liberec. I later became deputy head responsible for the State Language School at the Business Academy and State Language School in Liberec. After maternity leave, I taught English and German at the Na Bojišti Secondary Vocational School and Grammar School in Liberec, English at the F. X. Šalda Grammar School, and finally English and DaZ at the Richard-von-Schlieben-Oberschule in Zittau.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduating?

I had been working in the field since my second year of university.

What professional achievement are you particularly proud of so far?

Probably becoming deputy head. I am also proud of developing top-level professional expertise in guiding Hauptschule pupils through their final stage: preparing them for final examinations, advising them on further study options, and helping them choose the best examination strategies.

Did you also look for a job outside the Euroregion Neisse?

No, not abroad.

Why did you decide to stay in the region?

Because the commute is manageable.

Did you have contact with regional employers during your studies?

Yes.

What advice would you give to today’s students who are considering a career in the Euroregion Neisse?

Master the language. That will set you apart from other international candidates on the labour market; you can gain practical experience later. Do not expect everything immediately—be sensible and realistic in both your expectations and the way you present yourself. Self-knowledge and self-reflection are major advantages.

Full interview – Jitka Motýľová

Could you briefly introduce yourself?

I am Jitka Motýľová, a Czech citizen living in Zittau, Germany.

What and where did you study?

I studied Presentation and Protection of Cultural Heritage at the Faculty of Arts of the University of Hradec Králové. I also studied Social Work at the Prague branch of St Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work in Bratislava.

Why did you choose this degree programme?

Cultural Heritage: My parents brought me close to culture from childhood, and I had always been interested in literature, art and theatre. Social Work: I see social work as an important pillar of society. I originally wanted to practise psychotherapy, but during my studies I realised that my personality was not suited to it and, after having children, that I no longer had the necessary caring capacity.

What practical skills did you gain during your studies?

Cultural Heritage: I learned to absorb a large amount of information quickly, write structured texts and find reliable sources. I gained knowledge of history, archaeology, heritage conservation and creative writing, as well as basic graphic-design skills. Social Work: I learned about social work with different target groups, theology, the Bible and law.

What is your current position, and what does your work involve?

I work for 3mag.eu, a magazine and events calendar covering the tri-border region. My work includes communicating with partners, administering the website, marketing and managing social media.

Could you briefly describe your professional career since graduating?

After graduating, I took part in several short-term projects through the Náš kraj association in the Liberec Region, including creating a shared vision for a group of municipalities, running primary-school projects about tree-lined avenues, and restoring small monuments. After moving to Prague, I struggled to find work in the cultural sector because I lacked experience and a network in a very competitive city. I initially worked at the Maitrea vegetarian restaurant near Old Town Square, where I gained valuable experience with people, tourists, stressful situations and leading a shift team. I then held administrative roles at the Czech Association for Psychotherapy and the Society for Family and Systemic Therapy. After moving to Zittau and completing parental leave, I joined 3mag.eu—ten years after finishing my degree.

How long did it take you to find a job after graduating?

Immediately, although not in the field I had studied.

What professional achievement are you particularly proud of so far?

I am proud of my work for 3mag.eu. I value the idea of the tri-border region and of connecting Czechia, Poland and Germany. We introduce people to interesting cultural events, places and personalities regardless of borders. In February 2026, the Náš kraj association received the City of Liberec’s Cultural Achievement of the Year award for 2025 for organising the KI-NO Urban Festival on Pražská Street in Liberec.

Did you also look for a job outside the Euroregion Neisse?

When I lived in Prague, I looked for work there. After moving to Zittau, finding a job in Zittau became my priority, and I am glad that I succeeded.

Why did you decide to stay in the region?

I returned because I was pregnant and did not want to remain in Prague. Moving back also made sense because it put me closer to family who could help with childcare. We did not want to live in Liberec, however, so Zittau was suggested—and I certainly do not regret it. We arrived a year before the Covid pandemic, when property prices were still low enough for us to buy a house, something that was already financially unrealistic for us on the Czech side. It is peaceful, surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to Czechia; at weekends, I feel as though I am on holiday.

Did you have contact with regional employers during your studies?

No, I did not study in this region.

What advice would you give to today’s students who are considering a career in the Euroregion Neisse?

Because many young Germans leave for western Germany, there are good opportunities here for university graduates. There are not many, but they do exist—especially in technical fields—and the region also needs teachers and social-care professionals. Germany’s strong social-security system is another advantage. Learn German: learning foreign languages is enriching and good for the brain. You can experience living abroad without being far from home. The Euroregion Neisse has great potential, but it needs intelligent, educated people who care about the area and want to improve it.