1Six months ago, you and your colleagues founded INC d.o.o. whose main activity is the design of sensory rooms and the provision of educational and rehabilitation services and speech therapy treatments. What motivated you to start your own business?
From the beginning of my studies until about a month before the company opened, if someone asked me about my opinion, I would've said: "Always run someone else's company, don't have your own"! However, after the previous job where I was performing the duties of operations manager, a click occurred. I started thinking about taking a step forward and simply said, “Let’s go”! My colleagues and I made a business plan within a month, secured the initial financing and equipped the space. My motivation was a great team around me and a vision on how to create a business model, in which we were the first in Croatia (and the region) to combine industry and profession in order to provide superior service in both aspects of business.
2How do you think studying at EFRI has influenced on the way you think and approach to work?
One of the most significant things is that I worked during my studies, and the study gave me the opportunity to connect the basic theoretical principles of economics with practice even on the simple jobs I was doing at the time. What is heard in college is seen in practice. I would highlight the acceptance of the challenges that helped me both at work and during educational period. For that reason, for my final and graduate work, I chose topics and mentors that I thought would be just that - a challenge.
3What part of the job would you point out as your favorite?
By far the most important, and at the same time my favorite thing is the relationship and socializing with people, creating a pleasant atmosphere and mutual understanding in order to function as well as possible each day. In addition, I love the events we do, holding trainings, B2B conversations and improving work processes that make the job easier and better.
4 Can you remember the best decision you made regarding your career?
More than any decision I made, I would highlight a characteristic I decided to perfect, and that is the relationship with people and the ability to fight for myself with maximum commitment in any job.
5What would you say to other alumni, present and future ones, those who intend to start their own business and those who are looking for a job?
To those who are looking for a job I would advise to show their will and desire to work. More than just prior knowledge and experience, motivation is more important, which is very easily recognized if it exists. Personally, I would rather hire and invest in a person who knows less and wants to work than a person with more experience and less will and motivation. To those who want to start their own business, I would say: "Just do it!" You need to go and try, in the beginning not to burden yourself with perfection, but to work and build, so you will see where it will take you.
6How do you see the ALUMNI EFRI community you are in and in which direction do you think it should develop?
My participation in the ALUMNI EFRI community is fueled by an inner motivation and desire to help students in terms of all that awaits them during their studies and in a few years when they complete their studies. I recommend the organization of guest lectures, the inclusion of alumni in various activities and projects implemented by the Faculty. I believe that former students and the Faculty can achieve good synergy in terms of cooperation in various fields.