Vojtěch Zajíček believes that being the captain of a basketball team taught him important skills in leadership

What kind of work did you want to do as a child/teenager?

I wanted to become a professional athlete, but when I was 17 I injured my knee and decided to focus on a more sustainable career. At that time I had two dream jobs, I either wanted to work in diplomatic services of the Czech Republic or work in hospitality and eventually open my own restaurant or hotel.

Are there any elements in your current study area that you were already interested in while you were growing up?

My parents founded a company that makes hand-made furniture so I have been able to have a first-hand experience about entrepreneurship and business in general every day, since I was 10. My parents do not have any business education, so during the years of building a successful business from scratch, they have made many mistakes but also came up with very interesting ideas which helped them to be successful. As an oldest son, I was the first one who started to actively participate. First as a summer job I cut wood. Then I went with my father to business meetings with suppliers and customers, and lastly during my last years at high school, I became a free of charge consultant. All of the problems the company experienced, low demand, expensive material, lack of employees, made me even more curious – I wanted to know how to react when something like that happens and that is why I am here.

Do you see linkages between your hobbies and interests and your study programme? 

Definitely, as I was quite successful in basketball. I was a captain of my team for several years and I was always learning and studying how to be a good leader. I feel that our programme is focused on “creating” the leaders of tomorrow. Moreover, I loved being a part of a team and working together, relying on each other in order to succeed which again is something that is emphasised in GM studies. 

What is your study/work background?

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from La Rochelle, France, where I attended Excelia Business School.

How did you end up studying Global Management?

I felt that this programme was a logical option for me as it is a continuation of my previous studies. I have quite an international background and I knew that it is something I would like to build on. I believe that the academic education combined with a real business cases will allow me to broaden my knowledge, and develop crucial skills I will need in my future jobs. Moreover, I think that this programme does not force me to choose some specific field or job, but rather helps me to become a leader, who will be able to adapt to different kinds of jobs and environments around the world. That is very important as I have several career paths which I can choose from.

What do you want to do after you have graduated? Do you have a dream job? 

Currently, I have three different options. I am discussing the possibility of taking over the family business or expanding it abroad. I am also still thinking about a job in hospitality management for some international group, with preference on South American markets. Lastly I am staying open to any new opportunities, whether as an employee or as an entrepreneur.

My dream job would be to run my own business, I have several business ideas so let's see how it goes.