Student Spotlight: Alen Johnson

Guided by a passion for business and marketing, Alen Johnson, a student at the University of New York in Prague (UNYP), found his academic niche at UNYP after his initial plan to study Czech brought him to Prague. His journey, shaped by an early interest in financial investments, reflects his clear vision and steadfast commitment to his field.

In his studies, Alen focuses on subjects like Marketing, E-Commerce, and HR Management, thereby deepening his understanding of the business world. Simultaneously, he’s carving out a career in digital marketing, skillfully balancing his academic pursuits with practical, real-world applications.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, the program you are studying, how you got to UNYP, and how you chose your field of studied? 

My name is Alen, and I’m currently pursuing my studies in Business Administration. My journey to Prague initially began with an intent to study Czech, but I was keen on pursuing my education in English. This led me to discover the University of New York in Prague (UNYP), thanks to my English teacher who introduced me to it. Deciding on my field of study wasn’t a challenge for me, as I’ve always been inclined towards business and marketing. Moreover, my prior engagement in financial investments further cemented my decision to follow this path.  

What have been your favorite courses at the university so far, and why? How have these courses impacted your understanding of targeted marketing? 

So far, my favorite courses at the university have been Principles of Marketing, E-Commerce and Marketing Technologies, HR Management, and Spanish. The reason I value these courses so highly is due to the exceptional quality of our marketing professors, who bring extensive real-world experience in business and marketing to the classroom. Additionally, the HR Management course has been particularly engaging. My interest in Spanish stems from a broader passion for language learning. These courses have significantly enhanced my understanding of targeted marketing by providing me with a comprehensive foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of the field, particularly in how digital technology and strategic human resource management play pivotal roles in effective marketing strategies.  

Can you share what do you do for a living and how did you get into that field?  

I support myself and fund my studies in Prague through a career in digital marketing, with a specific focus on advertising and driving traffic for online schools, information businesses, and bloggers on Instagram. My entry into this field was quite straightforward. I enrolled in four different courses specializing in social media targeting, which equipped me with the necessary skills. After completing these courses, I began acquiring clients and actively applying my knowledge in the real-world setting of digital marketing.  

Can you describe how you manage to balance your work commitments with your academic studies? What strategies or routines have you found most effective? 

Balancing my work commitments with academic studies has been a challenging yet manageable journey. First and foremost, I strategically limit my course load to three subjects per semester, while most students typically enroll in four to five. Unlike many students who work part-time, I work every day of the week, treating it as a full-time commitment, which makes keeping up with even three subjects demanding. 

To maintain this balance, I rarely go out socially. Instead, I allocate my free time outside of classes to working, going to the gym, and completing university assignments. 

In terms of productivity strategies, I adhere to a daily task list to keep track of my activities. Nutrition-wise, I focus on consuming foods that boost my energy levels. As my career progressed and I started earning more, I shifted almost entirely to food delivery and dining out in cafes, significantly reducing the time spent on cooking. These approaches have been instrumental in managing my dual responsibilities effectively. 

Finally, what advice would you give to incoming students who are just starting their academic journey here at UNYP? 

My advice to incoming students embarking on their academic journey at UNYP is multifaceted. Firstly, I strongly encourage starting to work as early as possible. Parallel to your coursework, seize the opportunity to learn new skills through platforms like YouTube or other online courses. This approach will significantly broaden your skill set and prepare you for the professional world. 

Secondly, place emphasis on networking and communicating with fellow students. The time spent at the university offers a unique opportunity to build relationships and learn from peers. 

Lastly, don’t forget to engage in the social aspects of university life. Despite working seven days a week, I make it a point to attend parties and social events organized by the university. These gatherings are not just about having fun; they are crucial for socializing and meeting new people, which is an integral part of the university experience.