Vito Žurić: Young Entrepreneurial Spirit

The beginning of an interest in entrepreneurship and studying at ZSEM

My name is Vito Žurić, and I am a fourth-year student of Economics and Management at ZSEM. Studying at the Zagreb School of Economics and Management has, from the very beginning, provided an environment that encouraged me to turn my ideas into concrete projects and business initiatives. Even before enrolling, I had some experience, but above all a strong interest in entrepreneurship, marketing, and working with people. ZSEM offered me a dynamic environment full of opportunities for development through team projects, individual presentations, and constant interaction with classmates and professors. I especially valued the networking opportunities, attending conferences, and participating in student exchanges, through which I gained a broader perspective and new experiences. During my studies, I had the opportunity to take part in numerous team projects and presentations that taught me how to collaborate, take responsibility, and develop ideas within real business contexts. In addition to providing a strong theoretical foundation, the faculty gave me practical insight into the way the business world operates, and even more importantly, an environment that encourages discipline, connection, and personal growth.

Event organization as a platform for connecting people

My experience with event organization actually began in high school, when I first became more actively involved in organizing events. Over time, this interest continued to grow, and today I am still involved in organizing private parties and other types of events, through which I have further developed a sense for communication with audiences, branding, and creating experiences that people remember. In the earlier stages, I also organized commercial events, which gave me valuable experience in promoting events and understanding audiences. This later guided me even more toward the fields of marketing and entrepreneurship. Through organizing these events, what matters most to me is connecting people. Students and young professionals from different universities and fields often meet at the same events, creating opportunities to connect and exchange ideas. I see this aspect of bringing people together as a valuable added dimension, as it often leads to lasting memories and new friendships.

Starting my own marketing agency

During my studies, I became even more actively involved in projects and marketing, which gradually led me deeper into the world of entrepreneurship. In 2023, I founded my own marketing agency, Vicro Media, through which I work on developing brands, marketing strategies, and digital campaigns. The knowledge and work approach I developed during my studies gave me the confidence to pursue this path and build my own project. Through the agency, we primarily focus on creating content for social media, including video production and photography, as well as designing creative campaigns that help brands position themselves more effectively in the market. In addition to digital content, we also work on the development of promotional materials such as flyers, giveaways, and various marketing campaigns aimed at increasing brand visibility and audience engagement. Graphic design and the development of visual identity are also an important part of our work, helping clients build recognizable and authentic brands. Working on my own projects has allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge gained during my studies in practice while continuously learning through real business challenges and collaborations with different clients. This experience has further strengthened my interest in entrepreneurship and marketing.

First business experiences in the hospitality industry

Alongside my agency, an important part of my professional and personal development is also my work at the family restaurant Atlanta Bocca Marai in Zagreb, where I participate in managing the business together with my family. Working in the hospitality industry has taught me how essential operational knowledge, teamwork, and understanding guests are for success, as well as how important it is to combine business strategy with a high-quality and unique guest experience. The restaurant has been operating for many years, and I have been involved in its daily environment since I was very young, but I have been actively participating in the business for about five years. During this time, I had the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the business – from working with guests and organizing operational processes to understanding the importance of service quality and attention to detail that makes a difference in hospitality. This experience taught me responsibility, organization, and the importance of teamwork, while also helping me develop a strong sense for working with people and understanding the market, which I now apply in my other business projects as well.

Student exchange and international experience

One of the most valuable experiences during my studies was the student exchange, which allowed me to discover new cultures, broaden my perspective, and step outside my comfort zone. In January this year, I spent two weeks participating in a Winter School program in Turkey, where I attended the Brand Management course at Aydın University. The program lasted a total of 15 days, with the first part taking place in Antalya and the second in Istanbul. During the program, we had the opportunity to work on practical assignments and projects while deepening our understanding of branding and brand management in an international environment. Beyond the academic aspect, programs like this also offer the opportunity to meet students from different parts of the world, exchange ideas and experiences, and build new connections and friendships. The entire experience was extremely positive and further motivated me to continue developing professionally in the fields of marketing and entrepreneurship. It is truly an experience I would recommend to everyone, as it offers not only academic knowledge but also personal growth that stays with you for a lifetime.

Values beyond the classroom

Beyond knowledge, one of the greatest values of studying at ZSEM for me has been the people I have met along the way. Friendships, connections, and opportunities that come through networking and collaboration with classmates and professors are often just as important as the education itself. These relationships have opened new opportunities for me and further shaped my professional path, while the encouragement to be proactive and think outside the box has given me the confidence to start my own projects, take responsibility, and constantly seek new opportunities for growth.

What I Would Advise Future Students

To future students, I would recommend making the most of every opportunity available to you: projects, conferences, networking, competitions, exchanges, and collaborations, because it is through these experiences that studying truly gains its value. If you are willing to be active and step out of your comfort zone, ZSEM can be an excellent platform for developing your career and your own ideas.

For me, studying here was the beginning of a journey that is still ongoing, and the knowledge and experiences I gained continue to form the foundation of everything I do today.

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