Several factors motivated me to enroll at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management. I come from Vitez, a town where many successful entrepreneurs graduated from ZSEM, and their experiences and business achievements were the best recommendation for me.
I was especially attracted by the opportunity to participate in summer and winter programs that offer short-term exchanges and the possibility of earning ECTS credits while gaining new international experience. The mandatory internship was also extremely important to me, as I believe practical experience is crucial for future employment.
I come from an entrepreneurial family, and from an early age I was surrounded by business processes, decision-making, and economic topics. After graduating from general high school, I knew I wanted to direct my knowledge toward economics. I was looking for high-quality education that would provide me with strong foundations, and choosing ZSEM was a natural step.
I am currently a second-year student, and I can only describe my experience so far as having “flown by.” During my studies, I have met excellent friends and professors who have supported me on multiple occasions, both in academic and personal challenges.
My studies have taught me how important it is to have strong foundations in different areas of economics—from social courses such as Business Communication to analytical subjects like Statistics and Microeconomics. Today, I recognize and apply the concepts I have learned in everyday situations.
I particularly remember Professor Zdravka Biočina, who taught Business Communication and Public Speaking, and showed me how to deliver a persuasive and well-structured speech while effectively using nonverbal communication. I also value Professor Ivan David Dogan, who, through the Management course, provided me with additional insights, literature, and guidance in the field I wish to pursue in the future.
Numerous guest lectures and events such as Student Future Day gave me the opportunity to speak with some of the most successful entrepreneurs in Croatia and the region. In this way, I am already building a network of contacts during my studies that will be valuable for future internships and professional development.
I attended my winter school in Turkey at Aydın University, where I chose a concentration in Digital Marketing due to its growing importance in modern business. Turkey, as a bridge between Europe and Asia, seemed like the perfect destination for the winter months.
One of my most memorable experiences was a boat ride along the Bosphorus, one of the world’s most economically significant waterways. My stay in Antalya and Istanbul allowed me to explore vibrant landscapes and experience the dynamic energy of these cities. Coming from Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country that shares a rich history with Turkey, it was particularly interesting to see how deeply Turkish culture has influenced our region.
I decided to spend my summer school in the Kingdom of Norway at BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo, a partner university of ZSEM. There, I attended a concentration in Advanced and Automated Excel.
I chose this concentration because, as a future manager and economist, I believe it is extremely important to master essential business tools such as Excel and Word. Norway surprised me—contrary to common stereotypes, it is vibrant and full of life during the summer. I remember my exchange days for hiking through the fjords, swimming in lakes and the North Sea, as well as for the openness and professionalism of the people I met.
The greatest value of both schools, however, lies in the people I met— the friendships and international connections I built are something I consider a long-term asset.
For my next summer school, I have chosen Porto in Portugal, and I look forward to the new knowledge, cultures, and experiences that await me there.
To future students considering enrollment, I would say that ZSEM is an excellent choice for anyone eager to gain knowledge, develop new skills, and establish early connections with the business world. Opportunities for international exchange, mandatory internships, and numerous student organizations provide the chance to develop personal interests and apply acquired knowledge in real-world situations.
For anyone who wants to actively build their future, ZSEM represents a strong platform to begin that journey.
Josip Jurković
Roko Režić, a ZSEM student and co-founder of Trader, is building an app changing how traders learn.
Benjamin Koljanin on combining an MBA with a career abroad and expanding his professional perspective.
Enrino Škiljan is a ZSEM student who develops his entrepreneurial ambitions through AI projects.