From Open Informatics to Cameras in Cars
What did you study at FEE, and what do you do at Škoda Auto?
At FEE, I studied a bachelor’s degree in Open Informatics and then a master’s in Cybernetics and Robotics, where I focused more on sensors and instrumentation.
Before my maternity leave, I worked at Škoda Auto on the development and implementation of a front multifunctional camera for driver assistance systems.
What exactly were you in charge of?
I was responsible for a specific component—this very camera. I handled everything from its development through testing to production deployment and subsequently customer feedback. The goal is for it to reach the end user as finely tuned as possible—both in terms of software and hardware. The camera is currently in the Superb, Kodiaq, and Octavia, and is gradually making its way into other models, including electric vehicles.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most is seeing my work in the real world—you’re simply driving down the road and you know you played a part in that car. And also the variety—I handle the camera from its inception all the way through to real-world operation.
Automotive Today: Hands-On Experience, Flexibility, and Your Own Opinion
What kind of graduates are companies looking for today?
Mainly people who aren’t afraid of new challenges. School prepares you well, but it doesn’t teach you everything—that comes with practical experience. It’s important not to be afraid to take on responsibility, to have your own opinion, and to be able to defend it.
What skills are key today?
Flexibility—every day can bring a completely different problem. Also, logical thinking and an understanding of development processes. And definitely the ability to work in an international team. We regularly collaborate with colleagues from Germany, Spain, India, or Mexico, so you can’t get by without English (and sometimes German).
What surprised you after transitioning from FEE to the real world?
That a degree isn’t the most important thing. Practical experience carries much more weight. On the other hand, FEE gives you a huge advantage—thanks to the rigorous studies, I can handle even complicated tasks and see them through to the end.
FEL: Challenging, but Priceless
Why did you choose FEE?
I’ve enjoyed technology, math, and physics since I was a child. General computer science seemed like the ideal starting point to me—it wasn’t narrowly specialized and gave me a broad foundation.
How do you look back on your studies?
Honestly? It was demanding. A lot of stress, a lot of sleepless nights. But at the same time, it gave me a huge amount of knowledge and, above all, resilience—which still comes in handy at work today.
Who do you remember most fondly from your studies?
Definitely Professor Pavel Pták and Dr. Michal Hroch from linear algebra, and also Associate Professor Petr Habala from discrete mathematics. Thanks to them, even difficult material made sense—and was often even fun.
Do you have any stories from your studies?
During one linear algebra lecture, the air conditioning went completely haywire and started blowing freezing air. But Professor Pták was prepared—he gradually put on more layers until he ended up in a winter coat and a headband. And despite the harsh conditions, he “nailed” the entire lecture with flying colors.
What did your studies at FEE give you for life?
That every problem has a solution—you just need to find the way. And that way is often not exactly what you expect.
Advice: use your head, not just AI
What would you recommend to today’s students?
Technologies like AI, robotics, or data work are everywhere today. But don’t rely solely on them. Behind it all, there’s still a person and their thinking—use your own head.
Would you do anything differently today?
I would be less hard on myself and enjoy my studies more. Looking back, I see that I often stressed myself out unnecessarily. Yet there are always multiple ways to achieve a goal.
