After leaving Croatia, having completed my law degree at the University of Rijeka, and entering the professional world abroad, I quickly realized that theory and practice are not always the same. As someone naturally curious, I continuously invested in further education—both in areas related to my work and those beyond it.
After several years working at one of Liechtenstein’s leading companies in private banking and wealth advisory, I decided to formalize my curiosity and interest in entrepreneurship through further education.
I consulted with people I trust who have achieved significant career success. Considering my affinity for numbers and business, I concluded that pursuing an MBA was the natural and logical next step.
I was delighted to enroll in the Executive MBA program at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM). I am especially grateful to my employer for their support during my studies, as well as to the faculty, who showed great understanding for the fact that I live and work abroad.
The MBA program proved to be an exceptionally high-quality experience from multiple perspectives. The infrastructure provided by ZSEM significantly facilitated the learning process. Administrative procedures were efficient and straightforward, while professors, lecturers, and peers were of an outstanding caliber.
For every course, we were well prepared, the material was clearly and effectively delivered, and the exams were challenging yet fair.
While researching MBA programs, I also considered institutions such as Hochschule St. Gallen (HSG), IE Business School, and INSEAD. Most of these programs emphasize the MBA as a tool for changing careers.
That was not my goal – I am marking ten years with the same company this year. Nevertheless, I can confidently say that the MBA has significantly contributed to my professional advancement.
From a financial perspective, the MBA was a very worthwhile investment for me. It opened up new perspectives on entrepreneurship and enabled me to understand processes from a different angle – not only as a lawyer, but as someone who understands business and finance.
After completing the program and earning my MBA degree, I also noticed a shift in how I am perceived in the professional environment. In everyday communication, it often leads to additional conversations about the MBA, especially since many of my business contacts come exclusively from a legal background. That is precisely where I see my advantage – the combination of legal and business knowledge.
The program also left a mark on my personal life. People from my circle increasingly turn to me for advice on business and entrepreneurship, recognizing the breadth of knowledge I have gained.
Moreover, the MBA allowed me to strengthen my connection with Croatia. As someone living abroad, I especially valued the time spent in Zagreb and the interactions with my peers. For that reason, I would recommend the MBA not only to Croatians, but to anyone looking to further strengthen their connection with Croatia.
The MBA network is not just a phrase – it is a reality. During my studies, I had the opportunity to meet exceptional people, both among my peers and professors.
I would particularly highlight professors such as Dina Dogan, PhD, Goran Oblaković, PhD and Bruno Filipi, MSc, as well as the connections I built with Dean Mato Njavro, PhD and the founder of the school, Đuro Njavro, PhD.
One of the highlights of this experience was meeting the former President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, further confirming the breadth and quality of the network that an MBA provides.
Looking back, the MBA program was not just an academic step for me, but a strategic investment in my own development – professional, personal, and social.
What continues to drive me the most is the desire for continuous learning and creating value – because I believe that the combination of knowledge, experience, and openness to new challenges is what truly makes a difference.
Roko Režić, a ZSEM student and co-founder of Trader, is building an app changing how traders learn.
Enrino Škiljan is a ZSEM student who develops his entrepreneurial ambitions through AI projects.
Dorja Blažić successfully balances professional sport and academic life with the support of ZSEM.