My name is Anja Bakula, and I am a fourth-year student at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management. After finishing high school, I knew I wanted to study economics, but I wasn’t sure which university to choose. After much consideration, I decided on ZSEM, and I am very happy with my choice.
ZSEM’s mission is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for long-term success in the global business world, and I believe they are very successful in achieving this. The professors are top experts who, in addition to theoretical knowledge, share their personal experiences gained through years of work in various positions in both domestic and international companies. These practical experiences are extremely valuable, as they provide insights into real-world business situations that cannot be found in textbooks.
One of the reasons I chose ZSEM was the numerous student exchange opportunities. Our faculty’s curriculum aligns well with those of international universities, making it easier to participate in exchanges and take courses abroad. I spent my last semester at Carlos III University in Madrid, which was an incredible experience. As an extroverted person who enjoys meeting people, going on a student exchange was a natural choice.
I had the opportunity to work on projects with people from different parts of the world and, through conversations, learn about their cultures and ways of thinking. I believe it is essential to step out of our comfort zones because that is the only way we can grow. Additionally, the exchange was a perfect chance to explore Madrid, Spanish culture, and their way of life.
Another great advantage of ZSEM is its international environment – more than 34% of students come from abroad. This means that even those who do not want or are unable to go on an exchange can still gain international experience through daily interactions with colleagues from different countries on our campus.
ZSEM also has an excellent Career Center, which is a great help to students in securing internships and student jobs. During undergraduate studies, students are required to complete two internships, which I believe is crucial for our professional development.
These internships give us an advantage when entering the job market because we already have some industry experience. My first internship was in financial accounting, where I gained valuable knowledge in the field and saw how it works in practice. I am currently looking for my second internship. Since I enjoy activities that involve creativity as well as analytical thinking, I would love to complete my next internship in marketing, as I have developed a strong interest in this field through my marketing courses.
Participating in the Case Study Competition, where my team and I worked on a comprehensive marketing plan for the Croatian Mint and won first place, further confirmed my passion for this field.
One of the most significant projects at our faculty is Student Future Day, a traditional career fair that has been held annually for 20 years. Many well-known domestic and international companies, such as KPMG, PwC, Samsung, P&G, Ernst & Young, and many others, participate in this event.
For us students, it is a great opportunity to connect with potential employers, while companies can present themselves as attractive future workplaces. I had the honor of being an ambassador for Student Future Day, which allowed me to establish deeper connections with industry representatives and gain a better understanding of the hiring process.
ZSEM encourages students to develop their hobbies alongside their academic pursuits. Since music has been my passion since childhood, and I play and sing in my free time, I had the opportunity to perform at the ZSEM Ball for two years in a row, which was a wonderful experience.
In a few months, I will complete my fourth year of studies, and I plan to continue my education at ZSEM. I would love to spend another period studying abroad, either through a student exchange program or by pursuing a dual-degree program, which allows students to study at ZSEM and a partner institution abroad, earning two diplomas.
One such program is the collaboration with KEDGE Business School in Bordeaux, where students spend the fall semester at ZSEM, the spring semester at KEDGE, and the third semester in an internship. Upon completion, students earn two prestigious MBA degrees. I believe this is an excellent opportunity for further education and gaining international experience.
Throughout my studies, due to my academic achievements, I have received the Dean’s Award, which serves as additional motivation for my continued growth and development.
Overall, my experience at ZSEM has been incredibly positive. The university offers high-quality education, numerous opportunities for professional and personal growth, and supports the individual interests and talents of its students. I believe that the knowledge and experiences I have gained during my studies will be invaluable in my future career.
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