1You completed your studies at the time of the crisis in 2009. How did it affect your job placement after college?
The crisis cycle that occurred that year made it very difficult to find a job, I had to make some adjustments and make an extra effort in preparation for the interviews and job openings. I gave special attention to the appearance of my CV and motivational letters, and that always gave me advantage. However, there were no vacancies or job opportunities, so I had to be proactive in my job search, so I often contacted firms even when there were no open vacancies. Visiting companies and HR departments became my routine. I also intensified my efforts to expand my "network" of people and to be present in the labor market in every possible way.
2Today you are the purchasing manager for Drvenjača d.d. How did you progress to that position and what competencies would you identify as key to getting into that position?
Up to my present career position, I have progressed gradually through various positions in the company, striving to always and as best as possible to perform the work entrusted to me. In the end, I was lucky that someone recognized it. Competencies that were certainly important were knowledge of several foreign languages, determination, experience in negotiation and teamwork, analytics, experience in working in foreign markets, knowledge of international exchange, communication, and the ability to adapt to different situations. I kept using these competences in the jobs I was entrusted with and with time it pushed me up a step.
3How do you think studying at EFRI has influenced your thinking and approach to work?
I believe that studying at EFRI gives everyone the latitude to look at the overall economic processes, and from that the opportunity to operate in different business systems, markets and activities is emerging. Focusing on different areas and pursuing multidisciplinary job then, determined my approach to work, or at least the picture of what my job and I should be, if I wanted to be happy and successful.
4How do you see the alumni community you are in? How do you perceive your role in it and how do you feel the Alumni EFRI should develop?
It's great that people in the alumni community are connected and able to interact and participate in various activities. In this regard, I hope that I myself can help as a member by actively participating in the work of the Alumni EFRI. I believe that Alumni should continue in the direction it is headed, which is towards strengthening the academic community's connections with the businesses and give the best of both to students and alumni. Alumni should also be gathered, encouraged on networking and the social component of Alumni EFRI should be fostered.