At a time when young people are increasingly seeking practical knowledge and global opportunities, the story of Adna Krkalić, a student originally from Sarajevo, demonstrates how the right educational path can shape not only a career but also a person. Adna moved to Zagreb with her family during high school, and enrolling in the undergraduate program in Economics and Management at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM) marked the beginning of her intense professional and personal development.
“ZSEM gave me the opportunity to explore different branches of economics, and that environment sparked my interest in finance,” says Adna, now an MBA student specializing in Finance and Banking.
Adna’s career began in the fields of marketing and human resources – first as a social media marketing intern at FLOK, and later in the HR department of Zagrebačka banka. These early experiences helped her develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork, empathy, and creative problem-solving.
“That part of my development was extremely important because it taught me how everyday business works and how crucial it is to understand the people you work with,” she adds.
However, the end of her undergraduate studies proved to be a turning point. Inspired by professors and peers at ZSEM, Adna decided to focus on finance and pursue her MBA at the same institution.
At the start of her MBA studies, Adna began her career in auditing, working as an intern at BDO Croatia and Russel Bedford. Through hands-on tasks such as data analysis and financial reporting, she was able to apply her MBA knowledge in real time. She also worked in the finance department of ESC Factoring.
“The biggest challenge was finding balance between work and study. But it was precisely that demanding combination that taught me how to manage stress and priorities,” Adna emphasizes.
Thanks to ZSEM’s network of international partner universities, Adna had the opportunity to spend a semester in Madrid through the Erasmus+ program. This experience further shaped her professional goals as well as her worldview.
“Living in Madrid was priceless. I gained international contacts, strengthened my self-confidence, and realized how important adaptability and openness to diversity are in today’s global business environment,” she explains.
ZSEM is known for combining academic excellence with real-world experience – a key factor in Adna’s decision to pursue her MBA there.
“The professors are true industry experts. Their real-life business examples significantly contributed to my understanding of the complexity of financial decision-making,” she highlights.
A key focus of her MBA specialization is financial literacy – a skill that Adna believes is not just an advantage, but a necessity for anyone looking to succeed in today’s business world.
Today, Adna is a young professional with a solid foundation in auditing, finance, and management – a combination built through her own dedication and the structured support she found at ZSEM.
“I’m grateful to be part of this community. The knowledge, connections, and experiences I’ve gained here will shape my career for many years to come,” she concludes.
Adna Krkalić’s story is just one of many success stories that stem from ZSEM’s educational model. Through a personalized approach, international opportunities, top-tier faculty, and strong ties with the business world, ZSEM continues to prove that education can be a true driver of transformation.
Roko Režić, a ZSEM student and co-founder of Trader, is building an app changing how traders learn.
Benjamin Koljanin on combining an MBA with a career abroad and expanding his professional perspective.
Enrino Škiljan is a ZSEM student who develops his entrepreneurial ambitions through AI projects.