News: Faculty of Science

Palacký University Olomouc has been uneasily following the tragic and worsening situation in the Middle East. We have been deeply shaken by the suffering of the hostages who were captured two years ago by Hamas terrorists, the suffering of the civilian population, by the loss of life, and the large-scale humanitarian crisis in the area.

The mission of the university, in addition to education and scientific and academic research activities, is also to create a space for dialogue, respect, and mutual understanding. This is why we urge all the actors in the conflict, the international community, and the political representatives of the Czech Republic to do their utmost to stop the violence and to find a just and peaceful resolution.

Palacký University has long cooperated with a number of Israeli universities and academic institutions. This cooperation is founded on sharing scientific knowledge, respect for human rights, and respecting the values of academic freedom. We want to clearly state that the political steps taken by the Israeli government do not reflect the positions of our academic partners who cooperate with us on strengthening knowledge, education, and international dialogue. That cooperation is ongoing, and will continue.

Palacký University is and remains a space where differing opinions can meet freely, where paths to understanding are sought, and where future generations of people are educated for whom human rights, peace, and justice are crucial values – ones which are necessary to respect and protect.

We call on members of the academic community, even in these tense times, to comport themselves with mutual respect and understanding, to avoid any kinds of expressions of xenophobia, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia, and to contribute to factually based and cultivated discussion.

At the same time, we want to express our solidarity with all the civilians affected by this inhumane conflict. Any and all humanitarian initiatives which seek to alleviate their suffering deserve the maximum support of the entire civilised world.

Palacký University Olomouc Management

From Mexico through Olomouc to the World Bank and the UN GLODEP programme, graduate José Jerónimo Olvera León shares his story of working at prestigious international institutions. He openly describes the role education, perseverance, and luck played in finding his first job opportunity, what his current position entails, and how these experiences have influenced him both professionally and personally.

How did you get your first job at the World Bank?

I joined the World Bank almost immediately after completing the GLODEP programme. At that time, the Bank launched a specialized internship program focused on Latin America and the Caribbean. I was fortunate to meet all the requirements—they were looking for someone from Mexico, under 28 years-old with a Master’s degree, fluent English, and relevant experience. This gave me an advantage over other candidates. I was lucky that the programme opened right when I graduated; later, I wouldn’t have qualified due to the age limit.

How did studying in the GLODEP programme help you at the World Bank?

The programme mainly helped me develop the ability to discuss economic issues in a broader context, both in my native language and in English. It gave me the necessary technical vocabulary and the opportunity to exchange ideas with people engaged in development and economic topics. This allowed me to better understand the global context, which is crucial for working in such an international institution.

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

I currently work as a Junior Professional Associate, which is a position within the World Bank’s consultancy programme. I operate in the public sector department, which aims to improve the quality of public administration in various countries.

What projects have you worked on?

So far, I have worked on three different projects related to public administration reforms: modernization of tax administration in Guatemala, technical assistance for reforming the income redistribution system in Colombia, and institutional assessment and benchmarking in Kazakhstan.

Did your expectations differ from reality?

I feel that I am not as helpful as I had hoped. Reality has shown that it’s necessary to learn a lot first. The organization is full of experts with deep knowledge, so the first step is to listen and learn as much as possible in order to become truly useful.

Has this experience affected you personally?

It definitely has motivated me. Although I am not yet working on projects related to Mexico, I often think about how I could apply the knowledge I’ve gained back home. This helps me to see things in a broader context and consider the impact on my loved ones.

What was your career path between the World Bank and your current position?

I first joined the World Bank in 2022 in their Mexico office. However, due to political circumstances, there weren’t enough projects, and after a year I had to leave. Then I joined the UN in the USA, initially without financial compensation. I realized that without my GLODEP experience, I probably would never have been accepted at the World Bank, and if I hadn’t worked there, I likely wouldn’t have gotten into the UN. Thanks to my work at the UN, I improved my resume and eventually secured my current position in the Junior Professional Associate programme.

How do you assess the roles of luck and perseverance in getting this job?

It was a very challenging journey, in which luck played a big role. When applying for my current job, the World Bank opened about 70 different positions. I applied for 40 of them, but was invited to the selection process for only one. The competition is enormous, and often even a small detail makes the difference. Perseverance is important, but luck cannot be underestimated.

Study programme GLODEP offers students the opportunity to study at three European universities that offer programmes in Development Studies and Development Economy. Besides Palacký University, it is the French Clermont Auvergne University and the University of Gottingen, which replaced the former Italian University of Pavia. The programme goal is to prepare students for work in the sphere of development policies, which contribute to solving current problems on international, national, and local scales.