Vedran Patajac: Big goals know no small towns

From a Small Town with Big Ambitions

Coming from a smaller town means growing up in a familiar, safe environment, but also quietly dreaming—sometimes even bigger dreams than those around you expect. Vedran Patajac, an 18-year-old student from Rovinj, is a perfect example.

He completed his entire education in his hometown, attending a science-mathematics high school and finishing each grade with excellent results. But behind these academic achievements was a much deeper motivation: a desire to understand the world and achieve success.

Even in high school, he began seriously thinking about his next steps. Rather than making a last-minute decision about university, he strategically planned his future well before his senior year began.

"I have always strived to understand what it takes to succeed."

Vedran emphasizes that from a young age he was driven by a desire for progress and personal development:

“I have always been an honor student, and since I was a child, I have tried to understand everything it takes to succeed in life.”

This curiosity led him to the Open Days at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management, where his decision became clear: to study Economics and Management in English. He was drawn to the combination of academic excellence and the practical application of knowledge.

He was particularly motivated by the opportunity to enter the business world early through mandatory internships, as well as the school’s strong international orientation. Studying abroad at over 170 partner universities worldwide meant more to him than just travel – it meant broadening his perspective.

A Program That Demands Application, Not Just Memorization

At ZSEM, he quickly realized that knowledge is not meant to be memorized, but applied. The system of continuous assessments encourages consistent effort, and professors expect students to actively participate, analyze, and present publicly.

Studying in English further strengthened his communication skills and confidence. Presenting projects in front of a group became part of his daily routine, giving him a sense of assurance that goes beyond traditional academic experience.

"I realized how big the world is and full of opportunities."

Moving from Rovinj to Zagreb was a personal leap, but the real broadening of his horizons happened during the Winter School program in Paris.

“Studying at ZSEM made me realize how vast the world outside Croatia is and full of opportunities.”

This experience further confirmed the value of an international environment and sparked new ambitions.

Alongside his academic responsibilities, Vedran also participated in the EUREKA start-up competition, where his team reached the semifinals. Through this project, he developed an entrepreneurial mindset, learned how to structure ideas, and present them clearly – skills that are essential in today’s business world.

More Than a School – Community and Opportunities

Coming from a smaller town also marked a new stage in his social development. At ZSEM, he met peers from all over Croatia, built friendships, and created a network of contacts that will be a long-term professional advantage.

Events like freshman week, collaborative learning, idea exchange, and mutual support among students shaped his experience in a way that goes beyond lectures and exams. To this day, he has successfully passed all his courses, and he describes the professors as approachable, fair, and always ready to guide and help.

Message to Future Students

Vedran’s story shows that the size of the town you come from does not determine the reach of your ambitions. He started from Rovinj, moved to Zagreb, and through ZSEM reached an international environment full of global opportunities.

To those considering enrollment, he advises making the decision boldly and without hesitation, because by making smart use of the opportunities the school offers, the Zagreb School of Economics and Management can become the foundation for a successful and internationally competitive career.

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Big goals know no small towns