New ESF+ project to strengthen student career development and co-op opportunities at RIT Croatia

RIT Croatia has launched R.I.T.A. – Enhancing RIT Croatia's Capacity for Co-op, Academic and Career Development of Students, a new project funded through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the Effective Human Resources 2021–2027 Programme. With a total budget of €157,734.71, the project will be implemented from July 2026 to July 2029.

Through this project, RIT Croatia continues investing in the experiential learning opportunities that help students successfully transition from the classroom to the workplace.

The main goal of the R.I.T.A. project is to enhance the employability of RIT Croatia students by strengthening the quality and scope of the cooperative education (co-op) program, modernizing evaluation processes, expanding career development support, growing the alumni network, expanding the use of digital technologies, and further building institutional capacity. While these elements have long been an important part of the RIT Croatia experience, the project will provide additional resources to expand and improve them in line with the evolving needs of students and the job market.

Among the project's key areas of focus are expanding the network of employer partners, developing new interdisciplinary co-op opportunities, strengthening alumni engagement and mentorship, and introducing digital solutions that will make it easier for students to access career-related information, opportunities, and support services. The project will also place additional emphasis on supporting students from underrepresented and vulnerable groups.

Another important area is the continued development of the RIT Croatia alumni community. Through new networking and mentoring initiatives, alumni will have expanded opportunities to share their experience, support current students, and help strengthen connections between education and the workplace.

Over the next three years, project activities will include 300 co-op placements, various career development workshops and events, alumni mentoring and networking activities, the expansion of employer partnerships, and further digitalization of processes that support student career development and co-op experiences.

"This project marks a significant milestone for RIT Croatia, as it further strengthens what defines us: exceptional experiential learning. Through the R.I.T.A. project, we are enhancing the entire co-op process by introducing new digital tools and fostering stronger collaboration with employers and alumni, making students’ journey from the classroom to a successful career faster, simpler, and even more connected to the job market," said Aleksandra Gečević, Career Services & Alumni Relations Coordinator and project lead.