Alexandra Zhereb: How Chance, Management, and University Shape a Career

She came to NEWTON University by chance, a decision that ultimately changed the direction of her career. Today, she bridges the academic world with the leadership of international teams, showing that the path to management often doesn’t start with a carefully planned strategy, but with meeting the right people.

Alexandra, what first brought you to NEWTON University?

It was actually a complete coincidence. I graduated with my PhD right before the COVID pandemic and was actively looking for a university position to continue my academic career. At the same time, I was working as a Team Lead at a software development company, managing an international team.I met one of my colleagues while working on a project together, and at that time he was also teaching at NEWTON University. He recommended me to HR, and I am still very grateful for that lucky coincidence.

What has your journey in management and academia looked like so far?

As I mentioned before, while finishing my PhD in social sciences at Charles University, I was also working at a software development company. Soon after joining the team, I was promoted to Team Lead of the Localization Testing Team, where we tested software in different languages. That gave me extensive experience working with and managing people from very different cultural backgrounds.

As soon as I received an offer from NEWTON University, I started teaching several courses closely connected to my professional experience. Today, I teach not only at NEWTON University but also at an online academy that provides certifications in localization. My business career and academic experience are  very closely connected and interlinked.

Was there a defining moment when you realised management was the field you wanted to focus on?

I think it was closely connected to my career experience and the feedback I received from both colleagues and supervisors. People often told me that I had a good combination of hard and soft skills. I have always tried to improve the way I communicate with people, as well as my organisational and leadership skills, and that naturally led me toward management.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at NEWTON?

I really appreciate that NEWTON University embraces a practical approach. Theory is, of course, very important, since we are first and most importanly an academic institution. But being able to apply theory in practice is absolutely essential, and that is something NEWTON is great at.

I also love seeing our students succeed in their professional journeys. And of course, I really enjoy working with my students and colleagues and being part of the overall atmosphere at the university.

How would you describe NEWTON students? What makes them different?

They are curious, very open-minded, and what I like most is that many of them have their own opinions and are not afraid to express them, even when those opinions are controversial or not mainstream.

I always tell my students that during discussions there are no “wrong” answers. I genuinely enjoy hearing their perspectives because many of their ideas are original, interesting and very valuable.

What skills do you think are essential for future managers today

Definitely communication skills, especially the ability to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds as the world becomes increasingly globalised.

It is also very important to communicate effectively with people who work remotely. Sometimes you may never meet your colleagues in person, but you still need to create an environment where they feel comfortable, open, and motivated.

How do you bring real-world experience into your classes?

I often talk about situations and projects I know from my own professional career, but I also try to use examples that are familiar to students. For example, in Project management classes I sometimes explain the whole process using a food delivery mobile app as an example. We all use these apps, we understand how they work, and I also have a good understanding of how mobile applications are developed. So why not illustrate theory through something practical and relatable?

What does teaching give you personally?

I think teaching is a very creative job because every time I try to bring something new into my classes. I pay attention to what students enjoy and what they are curious about.

And of course, like every human being, I appreciate positive feedback from students about my classes. Overall, teaching is probably the most rewarding job I have ever done.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? What helps you recharge?

I love travelling and spending time with my friends and family. I also really enjoy cultural events such as opera, exhibitions, and theatre performances.

And I am definitely a big foodie, so exploring new restaurants in Prague and travelling for food are also hobbies of mine.

What would you say to students who are considering studying in English at NEWTON?

Do it, you will not regret it! :)

Finally, what advice would you give to students who want to succeed in management?

Never stop learning and developing yourself. Being a good manager is a journey, not a destination.

About Alexandra:

Mgr. Alexandra Zhereb, Ph.D. A member of the NEWTON University faculty since 2022, Alexandra holds a degree in Social Sciences from Charles University. Alongside her academic career, she brings extensive corporate experience from managing international projects for major clients such as Canva, Tencent, and Emirates. Her teaching and research focus on project management, business ethics, and soft skills development. In the classroom, she bridges theory and practice by engaging students with current trends—like the impact of AI on business—and facilitating lively discussions on real-world, controversial case studies.