Paulina Frederike Gogacz Internship experience

Between March and June 2024, I had the opportunity to get to know the JCBRN Defence COE in Vyškov, Czech Republic, during my four months-long internship. The internship has been an enriching experience that has significantly impacted my professional development. The focus of my research was hybrid threats in the CBRN environment. Throughout my research, I had the constant support of my supervisor, Linda, as well as the expertise of the other staff at the centre who were always open to engage in conversations and answer questions about my topic and other issues related to CBRN defence. Furthermore, I was able to watch an exercise of first responders and participate in one of the courses, deepening my knowledge on the CBRN environment and NATO’s activities in countering weapons of mass destruction.

Not only did my colleagues help and support me with my research endeavours but also they welcomed me and from the beginning I felt like part of the team, engaging in different activities or the daily lunchtime conversations in the cantine. Different events like an excursion to Karlova Studánka or the summer evaluation in Mikulov enhanced this feeling and allowed me to see some of the beauty of the Czech Republic.

The internship provided me with an inside view of how international organisations such as the JCBRN Defence COE and NATO have to and are navigating opportunities and challenges of the present and future. Reflecting on my internship experience, I can honestly say that it was a complete success in the sense of professional and personal growth. I am eternally grateful to the centre and every single person that made the time insightful and incredibly special.

Author: Paulina Frederike Gogacz