From finance to frontier tech: Vlaho Miloslavić’s blueprint for professional success

The career trajectory of Vlaho Miloslavić, a 2020 Global Business Management graduate from RIT Croatia, serves as a blueprint for modern professional evolution. Currently a Manager at the tech powerhouse Datatonic and a Partner at the KUT initiative, Vlaho doesn't just manage Machine Learning (ML) and AI projects—he builds ecosystems that foster innovation. His story, which began on the Zagreb campus, has branched into territories he hadn’t initially envisioned, proving that a solid foundation can support even the most radical pivots.

A foundation built on community and soft sills

For Vlaho, RIT Croatia was more than just a source of academic information; it was a launchpad for networking. "My last real job interview was after my junior year of college," Vlaho admits. From that point on, his career "snowballed" based on the connections he cultivated during his studies. His philosophy is clear: professional progress is rooted in the community you build around yourself, and college is the ultimate environment to start laying those bricks.

While he gained business education, he identifies the emphasis on soft skills as the true game-changer. "You can always—and should always—work on hard skills, but communication, sales, and teamwork are the foundation of any career you choose," Vlaho notes. These interpersonal tools became the bridge between business theory and the high-stakes reality of tech consulting.

The pivot: From finance to the forefront of AI

Interestingly, Vlaho did not enter RIT Croatia with a "tech-first" mindset. During his studies, his ambitions were firmly set on finance and traditional consulting. However, a brief period spent in the financial sector revealed a lack of the dynamism he craved. A door opened in a Digital Transformation department, providing him with a gateway into tech consulting—a move that eventually led him to lead complex ML and AI projects.

Today, as an expert navigating the cutting edge of innovation, Vlaho draws a sharp historical parallel: "AI and automation today are what Excel was 30 years ago. No finance professional was ever replaced by Excel, but today, there isn’t a finance professional alive who doesn’t know how to use it." His message to the industry is urgent: understanding AI will soon be the "literacy" required for any job with long-term potential.

KUT: An extension of the RIT spirit

Vlaho’s passion for community-driven success culminated in KUT (Udruga "Kreativnost, unikatnost, temeljitost"). What began as an NGO has rapidly morphed into a strategic platform for ambitious professionals. The results speak for themselves: in less than two years, KUT has facilitated the creation of multiple member-led startups, an agency, and a startup incubator in cooperation with the City of Zagreb. For Vlaho, KUT is a natural extension of the RIT Croatia community—scaled up and expanded to include diverse organizations and talents.

Advice for the next generation: Owning the chaos

Though he modestly claims he is still gaining experience, Vlaho offers a masterclass in career strategy for current students: a career isn't built solely on daily competence. "Being good at your job day-to-day is a requirement, but it will only get you so far," he explains.

His formula for success is ownership. He believes careers are "speedrun" during moments of chaos and uncertainty—moments that require problem-solving outside of one’s official job description. By choosing to take responsibility when things get difficult, young professionals can distinguish themselves and accelerate their growth far beyond the standard corporate ladder.