Excellent grades alone are not a guarantee of success. However, when knowledge is combined with initiative, practical experience, and a willingness to seize every opportunity, a story emerges that goes beyond the traditional student experience. This is exactly the path taken by Maja-Marija Prevolšek from Slavonia, whose student engagement demonstrates how academic studies can become a strong foundation for professional development and confidence in the labour market.
During her undergraduate studies in Economics and Management, which she completed with summa cum laude honors, as well as during her MBA in Finance and Banking, completed cum laude, Maja-Marija systematically built knowledge she did not wish to keep solely in theory. A significant step in her academic development was the scientific paper “The Role of Financial Technology in Croatia’s Tourism Sector,” through which she actively engaged in the research dimension of the academic community and confirmed her interest in contemporary economic and technological topics.
Alongside academic excellence, she placed a strong emphasis on gaining practical experience. During her studies, she completed several professional internships with renowned companies such as Philip Morris, Dukat, Valamar, and Philips, gaining insight into different industries and business models. This breadth of experience enabled her to define her professional direction more clearly and better understand the real needs of the labour market.
Active participation in student initiatives further shaped her professional profile. Through the Croatian Academic Community, she led the finance team, managed the organisation of the Finance Academy, contributed to the organisation of the Investment Academy, and took part in numerous projects that required responsibility, teamwork, and decision-making. Participation in the student competition Open4Business additionally fostered her entrepreneurial mindset and innovative approach to problem-solving.
Mentorship and knowledge sharing were also an important part of her student journey. As a teaching assistant in the courses Macroeconomics and International Economics, she worked closely with students, while her involvement in the Buddy Programme provided international exposure and supported the development of intercultural competencies.
A particularly valuable experience for Maja-Marija was Student Future Day, an event that further connected her with the business community. As an ambassador, she participated in organising the career fair, connecting students with employers, and facilitating speed-networking activities. “Throughout our studies, we were continuously encouraged to get involved in projects and events, and it was through these opportunities that I realised how important networking and work experience are already during university,” Maja-Marija highlights.
Her dedication to education, excellence, and social engagement has also been recognised beyond the academic community through the Certificate of Excellence awarded by the Association of Croatian American Professionals, a recognition given for outstanding contributions to education, research, and positive social impact.
Maja-Marija Prevolšek graduated from the MBA programme in Finance and Banking one year ago and is currently employed at Hrvatski Telekom as a Group Performance Management Specialist. Reflecting on her student experience, she emphasises that active engagement, practical experience, and networking during her studies provided her with confidence and strong foundations for continued professional development.
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