Why Choosing My University Was an Easy Decision
My name is Antonija Šimunić, and I am a second-year Economics and Management student at ZSEM. If you ask me why I chose ZSEM, the answer is actually quite simple – because I knew what I was looking for. I chose economics because I was genuinely interested in this field, and looking back, I can say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Even in high school, I was most drawn to social sciences, and economics, which explains how the world around us functions through money, decisions, and systems, seemed like the perfect field of study.
When choosing a university, it was extremely important for me to have opportunities for international exchanges and experiences beyond Croatia, and when I added ZSEM’s combination of theory and practice, the choice became a real “no-brainer.” Already during my first year, I realized how many opportunities ZSEM offers its students and decided to seize every one that came my way, even when stepping out of my comfort zone was unavoidable.
L’Oréal Brandstorm: My First Big Challenge in the First Year
During my first year, I participated in the L’Oréal Brandstorm competition, where our team won third place in the regional finals. L’Oréal Brandstorm is a global competition that brings together thousands of students from around the world each year. Its goal is to design an innovative new product and develop all its components – from the product’s function and packaging to marketing strategy, pricing, and many other business aspects.
When this opportunity came up at the very start of our studies, in our first year, and honestly, when we didn’t yet have concrete knowledge in most of these areas, two of my classmates, Leonarda and Mark, and I decided to take on the challenge. We signed up to test ourselves, learn as much as possible, and see where our limits were. Honestly, we didn’t expect much – which made the shock and disbelief even greater when we found out that we, still “green” freshmen, had won third place in the regional finals. That moment showed me just how much courage, hard work, and self-belief can pay off, even when you feel you’re “not ready” yet.
Study Trip to New York and Confirming My Interest in Finance
My first year also included a study trip to New York – a city that has always been a symbol of big dreams and opportunities for many of us. Honestly, at first, it seemed almost unbelievable that such an opportunity would be offered to students, especially first-year students like me. Still, it didn’t take me long to apply.
In New York, we attended Finance Week at the Stevens Institute of Technology campus, where we had the chance to learn how to work with the Bloomberg Terminal and visit the headquarters of the United Nations and Bloomberg. In addition, we earned the valuable Bloomberg Market Concepts certificate, which is a strong addition to any CV and offers tangible advantages for future careers.
This experience further solidified my interest in finance, and the impression New York left on me was so strong that I decided to pursue a one-semester exchange there.
The Dean’s List as a Personal Goal and Motivation
Another special experience during my first year was making it onto the Dean’s List, which is awarded to students with excellent grades. On the very first day of university, I quietly set this goal for myself – determined to work hard, give my best, and one day see my name on that list.
Achieving this goal was much more than just academic recognition; it was proof that consistent effort, discipline, and belief in your own abilities truly pay off in the long run. That moment further motivated me not to lower my standards, but to continuously set new goals and push my own limits.
Personal Growth Beyond the Classroom: Leading the ZSEM Ball
I also had the honor of being the host of the 9th ZSEM Ball – an experience that taught me a lot about public speaking, self-confidence, and networking. Before university, I would never have imagined standing in front of such a large audience and giving a speech; in fact, I used to describe myself as somewhat shy.
This is precisely why I believe that studying at ZSEM is not just about academics in the traditional sense, but also a powerful platform for personal growth and development. Every opportunity offered to students exists for a reason – to challenge us, help us grow, and teach us something new. This experience was no different, showing me just how much more we are capable of than we sometimes think.
Studies and Work: My First Professional Experiences
At the beginning of my second year, I also started working alongside my studies. My parents taught me from a young age that hard work always pays off, and my achievements at the end of my first year did not go unnoticed. Excellent grades, success in competitions, and active participation in both academic and extracurricular activities led to my first job offer. The ZSEM Marketing team recruited me, and since the fall, I have been working as an assistant in that department.
Working in marketing has taught me a lot about event organization, communication, presentation skills, and essential skills for today’s digital world, such as managing websites and social media. Balancing university and work further taught me discipline, responsibility, and excellent time management – skills I consider invaluable for any future career.
Winter School in Turkey and an International Perspective
I spent two weeks in January at a Winter School program in Turkey, taking a Digital Marketing course at Aydın University. Part of the program was held in Antalya, and another part in Istanbul.
Beyond the academic knowledge, programs like this offer something equally valuable – the chance to meet students from all over the world. Conversations with people from different cultures, exchanging ideas, experiences, and perspectives, open your mind in ways that are hard to put into words. For me, this international dimension of studying has been one of the most beautiful and valuable experiences.
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Support That Allows Me to Focus on My Studies
I am especially grateful to be a recipient of the Ivana Hodak Foundation scholarship, which allows me to fully dedicate myself to my studies and take advantage of all the opportunities ZSEM offers, without any additional financial worries.
All of these opportunities and experiences shape my student life, making it rich, challenging, and inspiring. For me, ZSEM has been the best possible choice – a place where effort is recognized, where stepping out of your comfort zone is encouraged, and where students are given the chance to grow not only academically but also personally. As someone who values international experiences, enjoys actively participating, learning, and constantly developing, I feel that I have found the environment here where I can build my future and become the best version of myself.
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