Alumni Student Mentorship Program

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management BS, 2005

Areas of expertise: 

• Taking risks in decision-making
• Managing employees (420 employees)
• Improving business when it comes to products and services not based on AI 

About: Amila began working in her family’s business at the age of 17, gaining hands-on experience across different areas of the company, from deliveries and warehouse operations to management.

Throughout her career, she has developed a strong understanding of business operations and people management, working closely with employees and teams across more than 180 kiosks throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Her journey offers valuable insights into growing within a family business, managing day-to-day operations, and leading people across multiple locations.

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2022

Areas of expertise: 

• Digital Marketing & Social Media Strategy
• Public Relations & Brand Communications
• Content Creation & Personal Branding
• Career Development & Job Applications
• International Career Opportunities & Professional Growth

About: Ružica graduated from RIT Croatia with a degree in International Business, specializing in Marketing and Management. She has gained experience in digital marketing, PR, and brand communications through her work with companies such as FOREO Adria, Posao.hr, and Oglasnik.hr.

She currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at a marketing agency, where she focuses on marketing strategy and team leadership. Her move from Croatia to Germany has further broadened her international perspective and professional experience.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ru%C5%BEica-bagari%C4%87-79aa90205/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2023

Areas of expertise: 

• Sales Strategy and Customer Relationship Management
• Automation and Digital Transformation
• Asset and Facility Management
• Consultative Selling and Negotiation
• Career Development and Professional Skills 

About: Mario is a Brand Sales Specialist at IBM, where he focuses on automation, asset management, and operational optimization. Previously, he worked in business development at IROIN by Stellar Tech, gaining valuable experience in sales, client relationships, and business growth.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from RIT Croatia and an MBA from Zagreb School of Economics and Management, including an exchange semester at Tsinghua University in China. His international academic and professional experiences have helped him develop a global perspective and the ability to adapt to different environments.

Through the RIT Croatia Alumni Mentorship Program, Mario looks forward to sharing his knowledge of sales, business development, communication, and career development. He is also eager to help students navigate international opportunities and understand what it takes to build a career in a global company.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariobelamaric/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2026

Areas of expertise: 

• Finance
• Risk
• Study abroad
• Internship abroad

About: Natali recently graduated from RIT Croatia with a degree in Global Business Management and minors in Finance and Management. She currently works as a Risk Regulatory Engagement Analyst at Goldman Sachs in London.

During her studies, Natali was actively involved in research, student organizations, peer mentoring, and academic conferences. She also spent a semester at RIT’s main campus in Rochester and completed a summer internship at Goldman Sachs, both of which helped shape her career goals.

Having transitioned from university into an international career in finance, Natali is eager to share her experiences with students and help them make the most of their university years.

Linkedin profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/natali-belu%C5%A1i%C4%87-435109254/

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management BS, 2011

Areas of expertise: 

• HR
• Learning and development  
• HR administration
• Employer Branding

About: Martina is an HR professional with extensive experience in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and Learning & Development within the hospitality industry. She currently works at Aminess Hotels & Resorts, where she focuses on employee development programs, performance management, internal learning solutions, and the AmiLearn learning management system.

Throughout her career, she has been involved in recruitment, employer branding, talent development, seasonal workforce planning, internships, Erasmus+ placements, and various HR projects.

As an RIT Croatia alumna from the Class of 2011, Martina is passionate about connecting students and young professionals with career opportunities in hospitality and building strong partnerships between employers and educational institutions.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-benz-8876b237/

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management BS, 2008

Areas of expertise: 

• Finace
• Banking
• Investment

About: Ivan has 15 years of experience in the banking industry, including 10 years in managerial roles. For the past three years, he has worked in corporate banking, following his experience as a Branch Manager, where he supported individual clients and small businesses.

Throughout his career, Ivan has developed extensive experience in banking, client relationships, and team management.

Outside of work, he is passionate about sports, especially running and football.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-birkic-98791815/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management, 2003

Areas of expertise: 

• Financial Management
• Project Management 
• Business and Marketing Plans 
• Market Analysis 

About: Martina is passionate about innovation and building something new. Throughout her career, she has focused on identifying new business opportunities and expanding into unconventional markets. While working for a producer of cement, concrete, and aggregates, she was responsible for the aggregates business and successfully opened up new market segments, including egg production, the energy industry, and the cable industry.

In addition to her experience in the construction sector, Martina has contributed to developing business and marketing plans for a startup, working on both the financial and marketing aspects.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-brija%C4%8Dak-ex-%C5%BEivkovi%C4%87-926a1739/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management BS, 2010

Areas of expertise: 

• Hotel sales
• Management & leadership skills
• MICE industry
• Event management 

About:  Dorja has been part of Valamar for the past 15 years, starting as a trainee in the Sales Department and building her career in MICE sales. This year, she stepped into the role of Sales Department Director.

Passionate about her work, she proudly represents Valamar while developing and supporting a strong sales team.

As a mother of two girls, she also enjoys sharing her experience and business knowledge with younger generations — while learning from their fresh perspectives along the way

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorja-dominikovi%C4%87-horvat-58bb8b46/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management BS, 2006

Areas of expertise: 

• Talent Acquisition
• Learning & Development
• Compensation & Benefits
• Employee Relations
• Performance Management
• Organizational Development

About: Vladimir is an experienced HR professional with a diverse background across human resources. Over the past 10+ years, he has held managerial positions, leading both international and local teams.

He brings valuable leadership experience and practical insights into people management and professional development. 

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vdujic/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2024

Areas of expertise: 

• Time management
• Team leading
• Budgeting
• Innovation
• Revenue management 

About: Tesa has gained experience across several industries, from technology and marketing to hospitality and tourism. She began her professional journey as a student at Photomath, later working as a Project Manager at a marketing agency and gaining experience in the reservation center at Maistra.

She is currently a Manager in Training at Hilton Vienna, where she is gaining hands-on experience across multiple hotel departments, including Rooms Division, Food & Beverage, Events, and Commercial. Alongside her professional career, she has also been involved in her family’s watersports business, which is an official partner of Hilton Costabella.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tesa-hundic/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management BS, 2019
• RIT's MS Organizational Leadership and Innovation, 2021

Areas of expertise:

• Sales
• Marketing
• Brand Management

About: Niko is a commercial expert with experience in FMCG, retail, sales, marketing, and operations. Throughout his career at companies such as L’Oréal and Procter & Gamble, he has developed strong negotiation, leadership, and client relationship management skills.

He is particularly passionate about education and mentorship, and is actively involved in the RIT Croatia alumni community. He enjoys connecting students with professionals and sharing practical business insights. Niko aims to demonstrate to students the importance of ambition, openness to new opportunities, and the fact that a career path does not always have to be linear.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niko-katusic/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management BS, 2019

Areas of expertise: 

• Making the most of studying and living abroad 
• Choosing between academic and corporate career paths 
• Getting involved at university and building your network early 
• Exploring careers in hospitality, supply chain and B2B sales 

About: During her time as a student, Andrea made the most of university life beyond academics, from studying abroad in Rochester to getting involved in Student Government, Eta Sigma Delta, and campus activities.

Her career has been just as international. She started in corporate procurement at HSM in Frankfurt, completed her Master’s in Marketing in Norway, studied in South Korea, and continued her career in Austria.

Today, she works as an Account Executive for Austria & Switzerland at HSM, combining her experience in procurement with sales, relationship management, and cross-cultural communication.

Having recently published her master’s thesis in a scientific journal, she hopes to help students navigate academic and professional choices, make the most of international experiences, and see that a career does not always have to follow a straight line.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreakecic/

RIT Croatia program / class:

•  International Business BS, 2019

Areas of expertise: 

• Finance (especially loans and derivatives)
• Risk
• Commodities 
• Career path in finance 

About: Ivan discovered Morgan Stanley at a Career Education Day, which marked the beginning of his career with the company’s Budapest office. Three years later, he moved to New York, where he continued his international career.

He specializes mainly in oil and gas derivatives, with experience across a wide range of commodities. Throughout his career, he has built strong professional relationships with bankers, traders, and clients.

His international experience and industry knowledge offer valuable insights into the world of finance and commodities.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kolembus-304a74142/

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2018

Areas of expertise: 

• Sports management
• International studies
• Internship in the USA
• Media analytics
• Hospitality 

About: Samanta spent seven years in the United States, where she began her career with an internship in hospitality and later completed a Master’s degree in Sports Management in Washington, D.C. Throughout her career, she has gained experience across the hospitality and sports industries. She currently works as a Key Account Manager and Project Manager for UEFA, focusing on sports media analytics. As an experienced team leader, Samanta is passionate about supporting the development of women and young people.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantakosina/

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2018

Areas of expertise: 

• Marketing
• Preparing for interviews
• CV and cover letter audit 

About: Originally from Chicago, Angela has called Zagreb home for the past 12 years, where she studied at RIT Croatia and built her career in digital marketing. She is the founder of a digital marketing agency, working with a diverse range of clients on social media, content strategy, and digital campaigns.

Alongside running her agency, Angela teaches Digital Marketing at RIT Croatia, combining her industry experience with a passion for sharing knowledge and helping students develop practical skills.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelajosipakrcelic/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2016

Areas of expertise: 

• Career development
• Working at Google
• Interviewing at Big Tech
• HR or recruitment-related topics 

About: Lidija began her career in finance, marketing, and sales before discovering her path in HR and recruitment. She currently works at Google in Dublin, where she recruits for technical roles across the EMEA region.

Working in the fast-paced, high-growth Big Tech environment, Lidija has gained valuable insights into talent acquisition, international recruitment, and the evolving technology industry. She also has a front-row perspective on the rapid development of AI and its impact on the world of work.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydialovric/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2026

Areas of expertise: 

• Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Content Creation
• Copywriting
• Developing localized Social Media strategies for diverse markets (experienced with Croatian, American, Swedish, and German markets)

About: Ena gained valuable experience through internships at two marketing agencies, including 404, one of Croatia’s leading agencies. These experiences provided a strong foundation for her career in marketing.

She currently works as an Assistant at OMD, part of Omnicom Media Group, where she is part of a team working with Podravka, a major client.

Her advice to students interested in marketing is to start their careers at an agency, where they can gain hands-on experience and develop strong analytical skills.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ena-milic/

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management BS, 2007

Areas of expertise: 

• Marketing
• Product and Service Development
• Innovation
• Digitalization
• Scaling start up idea

About: Nina is an experienced executive advisor with 20 years of international experience across retail, telecommunications, global appliances, and advertising.

Throughout her career, she has worked in executive leadership, strategy, business transformation, innovation, and business development. She has led new business initiatives, transformed existing operations, and helped organizations adapt and grow.

Having lived, studied, and worked in the United States, Italy, Germany, and Croatia, Nina brings a broad international perspective and a passion for connecting people and ideas.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninamimica/ 

RIT Croatia program/class:

• International Business BS, 2025

Areas of expertise: 

• Team Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Problem Solving
• Client Relations

About: Nikolina is an Account Manager with experience in account management and sales, having worked at agencies such as Spona and Taste. Her agency experience has taught her how to manage multiple clients, adapt to different industries, and deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines. Through her work on a variety of projects, she has gained valuable insight into the realities of the industry beyond the classroom. Outside of work, Nikolina is passionate about traveling and discovering new experiences, which fuel her curiosity and often inspire fresh ideas in her professional life. As a mentor, she hopes to share her experiences, including both successes and mistakes, to help students navigate their own career paths with greater confidence.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolina-mi%C5%A1i%C4%87/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2018

Areas of expertise: 

• Early career planning
• Consulting industry
• Entrepreneurship
• Technology

About: Filip is an M&A Strategy Consultant at EY-Parthenon (EYP), with six years of prior experience in strategy, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship in Croatia. After co-founding a consulting firm, he made the move to the United States to pursue an MBA at Yale School of Management and now lives and works in New York.

Throughout his career, Filip has worked across multiple industries and international markets, tackling complex business challenges and gaining a broad perspective on business strategy and growth.

Outside of work, he enjoys exploring technology, geopolitics, philosophy, travel, and sports.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/filip-miskovic/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• New Media Design BS, 2026

Areas of expertise: 

• Graphic Design
• UI/UX Design
• Digital Content & Social Media
• Portfolio & Career Development
• Adobe Creative Cloud

About: Josipa graduated from RIT Croatia in 2026 with a degree in New Media Design, developing a strong interest in graphic design, UI/UX, digital content, and visual storytelling.

During her studies, she worked as a tutor, helping students develop their skills in tools such as Figma and Illustrator, as well as motion graphics, typography, and interactive media. She has also gained practical experience through internships and creative projects in web design, branding, and digital content.

Passionate about creativity and design, Josipa hopes to help students build confidence in their skills, develop their portfolios, and navigate the transition from university to the professional world.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josipa-petrovic1012/

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2019

Areas of expertise: 

• Financial Due Diligence
• Fundraising
• Company Valuation
• Business Model Evaluation

About: With a career in finance that started with his first co-op, Stjepan has gained experience across futures trading, investment banking, and a financial services software startup.

Today, he works as a consultant for early-stage startups and SMEs, with a focus on finance and fundraising.

His diverse experience in finance and entrepreneurship brings a practical perspective that can help students better understand the world of finance, startups, and building a career in the industry. 

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stjepan-palada/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2025

Areas of expertise: 

• Entrepreneurship
• Family business
• Career in strategy
• Management consulting
• Finance

About: Dino graduated from RIT Croatia with a degree in International Business and has built his career between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He currently works as a Strategy & Growth Associate at ABC Tech Group, a banking technology company serving banks across South-Eastern Europe, where he focuses on go-to-market strategy, sales, marketing, and partnerships.

As part of his family business, Dino has gained first-hand experience in entrepreneurship, learning how to grow a company, make decisions with limited resources, and balance entrepreneurial thinking with structured business processes.

He also uses AI tools across different areas of his work, from market research and sales materials to product design, and believes that learning to work with these tools is becoming increasingly valuable for students entering the professional world.

Having benefited from great mentors early in his career, Dino is now eager to give back by sharing his experience in career development, family business, entrepreneurship, sales, growth, and building a career in the AI era.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dino-poprzenovic/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2018

Areas of expertise: 

• Communication
• Marketing
• Social Media
• Fashion
• Creative Strategy
• Branding

About: Ira began her career in recruitment and employer branding before joining Nike, where she worked in communications for four years.

Driven by her passion for creativity and fashion, she eventually decided to pursue her own entrepreneurial journey and founded Rage Room, a fashion brand that she is currently developing.

With experience spanning branding, marketing, and communications, Ira brings a well-rounded perspective on building brands and turning creative ideas into business ventures.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ira-ribari%C4%87-862a25117/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management BS, 1999

Areas of expertise: 

• Storytelling & Strategic Communication – Using storytelling in business, marketing, personal branding and professional presentations. 
• Hospitality & Tourism Management – Hotel operations, guest experience, service quality and business development.
• Sales, Marketing & Brand Positioning – Understanding customers, developing marketing strategies and communicating value
• Entrepreneurship & Business Strategy – Turning ideas into viable business concepts, strategic planning and practical problem-solving.
• Career Development & Personal Branding – Identifying transferable skills, communicating professional strengths and navigating career transitions.

About: Elena began her professional journey at ACMT in Dubrovnik and has since built nearly three decades of experience across hospitality, tourism, sales, marketing, and management. Her career has taught her that professional paths rarely follow a straight line and that some of the most valuable lessons come from unexpected challenges and mistakes.

Today, through her consulting brand 2iTamo, she combines her industry experience with strategic communication, storytelling, and a passion for helping businesses and individuals discover what makes them unique. As a writer and blogger, she is particularly interested in how stories help people connect, build trust, and create value.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-ru%C5%A1njak-3b03222a/

RIT Croatia program / class:

• RIT's MS in Service Leadership and Innovation, 2015 

Areas of expertise: 

• IT
• AI
• Project Management
• Data Integrity
• Information Systems and Regulatory

About: Ivan holds a PhD in Healthcare Information Systems, an MSc in Innovation Technologies, and certifications in Theology and Project Management (PMP). His professional interests lie at the intersection of technology, medicine, data, and human decision-making, with a particular focus on how emerging technologies can improve healthcare and patient outcomes.

His areas of expertise and interest include Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Healthcare and Pharmacy, Digital Healthcare, healthcare information systems and interoperability, blockchain applications, patient safety, medical imaging, and healthcare innovation. He combines academic research with practical experience in technology, healthcare, and project management.

Ivan is passionate about exploring how technology can make healthcare smarter without making it less human.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivan-slade-%C5%A1ilovi%C4%87-a42a293/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Web and Mobile Computing BS (Dubrovnik campus), 2021

Areas of expertise: 

• Career development
• Digital transformation
• Marketing technology
• Solution architecture
• Business analysis
• Consulting

About: Nino is a Senior Marketing Technology Consultant and Solution Architect who works with enterprise organizations on digital transformation, marketing technology, content operations, and workflow automation. With experience spanning technology and business consulting, he specializes in designing solutions that connect people, processes, and platforms, particularly within Adobe Experience Cloud and Content Supply Chain. He has worked with large international organizations across industries, helping teams turn complex business requirements into practical solutions and scalable workflows. As a mentor, Nino aims to share honest insights, challenge perspectives, and bridge the gap between theory and real-world experience. His interests include technology, entrepreneurship, digital products, continuous learning, and developing his own projects and ideas.

Linkedin profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninoskuflic/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS,  2016

Areas of expertise: 

• Data
• Analytics
• Leadership
• Excel/PowerBI

About: After graduating from RIT Croatia, Petar began his career as a Junior Analyst at a real estate valuation company in Zagreb. A year later, he joined Infobip, where he spent the next nine years growing professionally and taking on new challenges.

During his time at Infobip, he progressed from Junior Analyst to Analytics Manager before transitioning to the role of Principal Business Analyst.

After nearly a decade with the company, Petar has decided to take some time off before exploring new career opportunities.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petarvatavuk/

RIT Croatia program / class:

• International Business BS, 2018

Areas of expertise: 

• Business strategy within a global technology company, revenue and go-to-market strategy
• Data-driven decision-making. 
• Executive communication and storytelling for senior audiences
• Building an early career in strategy and commercial roles, including navigating role choices and developing the cross-functional relationships that drive impact.

About: Dorotea is the Director of Business Strategy for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Infobip, a global technology company. Her career has taken her from a management traineeship in Colorado and a tech-enabled startup in London to eight years of professional growth across multiple roles at Infobip.

Throughout her career, she has gained experience in business development, enterprise sales, customer success, sales acceleration, and regional strategy. She also holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy, which has strengthened her understanding of global business, relationships, and communication.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dorotea values health, fitness, and family. As a mother of two with a third child on the way, she is passionate about building a life where career ambitions and personal well-being complement one another.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorotea-vatavuk-2bb106bb/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Global Business Management BS, 2026

Areas of expertise: 

• Career options within management and strategy consulting
• Exits from consulting, practising for consulting case interviews
• How to adjust your Resume for the position you're applying for

About: Neva gained valuable professional experience while completing her studies, including a year-long internship at PwC Consulting. She now works full-time as an Associate at PwC.

During her time at RIT Croatia, she minored in Finance, led the Investment Club, and presented and published her work at several international conferences across the EU.

Her combination of academic achievements, leadership experience, and early career development has helped her build a strong foundation for her professional journey.

Linkedin profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neva-vidovic/ 

RIT Croatia program / class:

• Hospitality and Tourism Management BS, 2013

Areas of expertise: 

• Small Business Development
• Hospitality and service development
• Business Optimization

About: After graduating in 2013, he ventured into entrepreneurship, first developing an adventure tourism agency before transitioning into hospitality.

With 12 years of experience in the industry, he now owns or manages 20 short-term rental properties across the city.

Having built his business from the ground up, he brings hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, hospitality, and business development.