AAU Alumni Spotlight: Adéla Jiřičková NATO Allied Command Intern

Having completed both her bachelors and masters with AAU’s School of International Relations, Adéla Jiřičková has now relocated across the Atlantic to Virginia where she is interning with NATO Allied Command Transformation in the Commander’s Action Group for the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, General Lanata.

Although she is Czech by birth, Jiřičková like many AAU students, is a very global citizen having lived in Vancouver, Canada, Auckland, New Zealand and Montevideo, Uruguay. And fun fact, in addition to her 2 degrees from AAU she also has a private pilot’s license!

Our Alumni and Career Specialist, Elizabeth Nováček asked Jiřičková to reflect on her #AAUPrague experience and share some advice for future graduates.  

What was your favorite class/teacher at AAU?

Well, I actually had several favorite classes. If I had to choose, I would probably say that NATO in the 20th and 21st century with Kristina Soukupova was my favorite one. In a way, her guidance brought me all the way here to NATO ACT. But there are so many other great teachers like, for example, George Hays II or Zuzana Fellegi who also played a crucial part in my academic and professional development. I could continue talking about many other amazing teachers, but the list would be quite long.

Something you learned outside the classroom at AAU?

I have learned a lot about different cultures and met some amazing people and good friends. I have to say that I really enjoyed the multicultural and relaxed atmosphere, which, from what I have heard, is not always a common thing in other universities.  

If you had the opportunity to give a TED talk, what would you speak about?

I would probably talk about the necessity of incorporating the environmental security topic even into sectors, where it is not quite ordinary, like defense and security, for example.  

Knowing what you know now, what would you advise yourself when you were just graduating from AAU?

I would probably tell myself to be less self-critical and prouder of even the small personal achievements. I would also remind myself that we are all unique and can achieve great things through different means and at a different pace. 

Since you have traveled around a lot, what is the first thing you like to do when you’re in a new city?

I love walking, so I usually walk throughout the city, stop at a local café and enjoy the atmosphere. I also try to talk to local people and learn at least a few words in their language. Of course, I also do the touristy things at the beginning of my stay and take pictures of the most beautiful views I can find.