Bridging classroom and industry: RIT Croatia students work on Deloitte’s finance case

Experiential learning bridges the gap between theory and practice, giving students the confidence and skills to tackle real-world challenges. At RIT Croatia, this hands-on approach helps students develop a competitive edge and prepares them for future careers. A recent example of this approach was the Deloitte Business Case Competition, where Vernon Agušaj, Natali Belušić, and Petra Modrić, three of our Global Business Management students impressed the judges with their solution to the central business challenge of the competition, earning them the top spot.

Gaining real-world experience

The competition, which focused on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and company valuation, was organized specifically for RIT Croatia students. It offered them the opportunity to work in teams to solve a realistic business case and present their solution, helping them better understand the types of experiences and challenges they will face in their future careers. After attending Deloitte’s presentation as part of the RIT Croatia student-led Investment Club, students who applied were tasked with analyzing financial data and industry trends to assess a firm’s position and growth potential, as well as finding the ideal company to add to its portfolio.

Petra found the project interesting because it involved solving real-life problems in finance. Vernon added that this project gave him insight into how consulting companies handle mergers and acquisitions and found it especially helpful for preparing for future internships. “We were provided with a real template on how Deloitte would approach this project and how they would present it to a client,” he explained.

The students had the opportunity to work with professional tools and put all the terms they learned in their courses into practice. Business and financial courses were instrumental in shaping Natali’s approach to the case study. Vernon agreed, saying he found problem-solving the most engaging part of the competition. “I enjoyed going through the financial statements of various companies to find the best fit for our project”, he explained. Petra added, “it was exciting to see how we could apply the knowledge we’ve gained so far to business analysis and expand it throughout the project”. Moreover, Vernon mentioned how the experience helped him develop soft skills like professional presenting and networking, skills that are critical in consulting roles.

Learning through collaboration

Working closely with classmates was another valuable learning experience. Petra valued the opportunity to work with a collaborative team, saying, “It was amazing to see everyone contributing equally”. Natali shared that working with her classmates inspired her personal growth during the competition. “Each of us brought unique strengths, and the exchange of ideas and knowledge greatly enhanced my understanding”, she said. The teamwork helped them overcome challenges and build a shared vision for their solution.

This collaborative environment gave all three students an invaluable understanding of the practical application of finance terminology and strategies. It also allowed them to explore whether consulting in M&A could be part of their future careers. One of the key lessons for Natali was the importance of strong analytical skills and attention to detail. “I gained a deeper appreciation for the value of staying up-to-date with industry trends and understanding their impact on corporate decisions.”

Take every chance you can get

Looking back on the competition, Petra reflected on the rewarding experience: “The most rewarding part is seeing how far we’ve come and what we’ve achieved.” For her, the greatest value of projects like this lies not only in the knowledge gained but in the experience itself. “It’s not just about the knowledge you gain, but the experience you get,” she concluded.

This competition is a perfect example of how experiential learning can prepare students for the real world, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge, work in teams, and develop skills they will carry into their future careers. At RIT Croatia, we believe these hands-on experiences are crucial in helping our students succeed professionally and personally.