Josip Tomašković - The Path Toward a Global Economy

From a Curious High School Student to a Globally Oriented Economist

“It is extremely difficult to take a step forward, but you cannot stand still – you have to make a decision.”

This thought perhaps best describes the journey of Josip Tomašković – a student who realized early on that knowledge has the greatest value when it is connected to the world, to people, and to real-life challenges.

Josip graduated from the II Gymnasium, known as Križanić Gymnasium. During his high school years, he showed a strong interest in social issues, public policy, and economics. He participated in competitions focused on the Croatian Constitution and Parliament, excelled in social sciences, and actively engaged in Red Cross and Civic Education projects. As a high school student, he also took part in the first session of the Community of Active Citizens (ZAG), further strengthening his interest in the role of individuals in society.

“I often asked myself – can the changes I want to see in society be achieved only as an observer, or as an active participant?” Josip recalls.

ZSEM as a Conscious Choice

After graduating high school, Josip knew he wanted to become an economist. However, he was also aware of the realities of the job market – Croatia produces thousands of new economics graduates each year. That’s why, as he emphasizes, he was looking for more than a traditional degree. “I recognized ZSEM as a rarity – a place that gives students the opportunity to globalize their education,” Josip says.

He enrolled at ZSEM as the top-ranked student on the admission list. From the very beginning of his studies, he sought opportunities for practical experience, international exposure, and personal growth. Already after his first year, he spent four months working at the Zagreb-based IT company Intellexi, where he focused on B2B sales in English, targeting the Dutch market. “That job showed me very early what real business communication looks like – with clients, within a team, and in achieving set goals,” Josip notes.

In his second year, he was part of the team that won ZSEM’s award for the best marketing campaign on the topic of destination weddings in Croatia, further confirming his ability to apply theory in a real-world context.

Academic Excellence and International Experience

In the same year, Josip became a collaborator at ZSEM on the economic and media literacy project “False Alarm.” Within the project, both independently and in co-authorship with professors and teaching assistants, he wrote 46 out of a total of 92 fact-checking articles on economic topics in Croatian media during 2025. “The professors recognized my interest in commenting on economic news and invited me to the project in its early stages. That was the moment I felt the university truly sees the student as a person,” Josip recalls.

In his third year, Josip spent a semester at ESSEC Business School, one of Europe’s leading business schools. There, he also earned several Bloomberg certifications, including Bloomberg Market Concepts, Bloomberg Spreadsheet Analysis, and Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals. His experience studying in France further confirmed his decision to choose ZSEM.

“After talking with peers who studied at schools like IE University, NOVA SBE, or ICN, I realized that ZSEM students have a very similar academic experience to those at top European business schools,” Josip emphasizes. He particularly notes that while the curriculum, grading methods, and requirements are comparable, ZSEM’s advantage lies in the close and direct relationship between professors and students.

Developing Skills That Make a Difference

Josip is a two-time recipient of the Dean’s List award for outstanding students and an active member of the ZSEM Debate and Finance Clubs. Equally important, he values the development of “soft” skills, which are essential in the business world. Through numerous courses, students learn business communication, public speaking, resume and cover letter writing, as well as deeper insights into leadership, management, and corporate culture.

A particularly valuable experience for Josip was participating in speed networking, where brief conversations with representatives from domestic and international companies provided clear feedback on his strengths and areas for further development. “A student quickly realizes what makes them unique and what they can still improve,” Josip reflects.

Professors Who Leave a Mark

Among the courses that stood out most to him, Josip highlights Public Finance with Professor Dina Dogan, which allowed him to see abstract rules and definitions through concrete examples from Croatia. “During those lectures, I often imagined the changes I could make in the places I know – what would I do if I were a statesman, and could I achieve it as a citizen?” he recalls.

He describes the Marketing Management course with Professor Matea Hanžek as dynamic, competitive, and highly practical, while Professor Zdravka Biočina had a strong impact on his personal and professional development. “She taught me how to present, lead a meeting, deliver a speech, and pitch a business idea – how to ‘sell’ an idea. Her warm yet professional approach is something every young business professional needs,” Josip notes.

Interestingly, he received similar guidance at the ESSEC Career Center – a year later, in another country – which further confirmed the quality of the knowledge he gained at ZSEM.

Looking Toward the Future

Today, alongside his studies, Josip serves as a nominator in the 7 Most Endangered program by Europa Nostra, where he proposed an economic plan for neglected cultural heritage from the Cold War era in Croatia. He also holds an advisory role at the German startup Nexus Politics. In his free time, he goes to the gym and pursues painting as an amateur.

To his future peers, he emphasizes that choosing a degree can be challenging but is essential. “See ZSEM as an investment in your future —- an investment that gives you the opportunity to connect with the world, and develop your knowledge and skills,” Josip advises.

From his personal experience, he highlights that this approach to studying allows students, over time, to speak about their education with a smile – as an experience that is recognized, valued, and relevant both in Croatia and abroad.

Blog

The Path Toward a Global Economy

From a Curious High School Student to a Globally Oriented Economist

Academic Excellence and International Experience

Developing Skills That Make a Difference

Looking Toward the Future

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