Career Education Days 2025: 25 years of connecting students and industry
The recently concluded RIT Croatia Career Education Days (CED) 2025 reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to bridging the gap between education and industry. With two highly successful events held in Dubrovnik (February 28) and Zagreb (March 11), this year's CED brought together students, alumni, and top industry professionals in an engaging networking environment.
A milestone year for Career Education
Marking 25 years of tradition, the event gathered 63 companies, featuring leading names in tourism, hospitality, IT, finance, marketing, finance, human resources, consulting, and retail. With 175 company representatives in attendance, students had the chance to interact directly with industry leaders through company pitch sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and speed networking sessions. Additionally, the support of 60 student volunteers helped ensure the smooth execution of both events.
Recognizing outstanding achievements
One of the highlights at the CED 2025 was the recognition of outstanding student achievements. The Exceptional Co-op Student Performance Award celebrates students who excelled in cooperative education.. The winners in this category were:
- Ivo Miguel Kisić (New Media Design, Zagreb)
- Ante Pirjak (Web and Mobile Computing, Zagreb)
- Zara Plevko (Global Business Management, Zagreb)
- Mark Sinishtaj (Web and Mobile Computing, Dubrovnik)
- Ana Vujović (Hospitality and Tourism Management, Dubrovnik)
In addition, the Experiential Learning Ambassador Award was presented to individuals who have played a pivotal role in enhancing hands-on learning experiences at RIT Croatia. This year’s recipients were:
- Scott Coleman, Instructor, RIT Croatia
- Danijela Crljen, Instructor, RIT Croatia
- Dr. Jurica Dolić, Professional Studies Professor, RIT Croatia
- Dr. Alan Mutka, Area Head for Web and Mobile Computing, Senior Lecturer, RIT Croatia
Alumni and industry engagement
This year’s CED also saw the return of 25 alumni who participated as company representatives, sharing their professional experiences and mentoring current students. Their involvement underscores the strength of RIT Croatia’s alumni network and its commitment to continuous learning and career development.
Looking ahead: The impact of CED on student careers
Reflecting on the success of CED 2025, Dr. Irena Guszak, RIT Croatia President and Dean, emphasized the critical role these events play in preparing students for the workforce: “Career Education Days are not just about networking; they are about preparing students for their professional journeys. By connecting them with industry leaders, exposing them to real-world challenges, and fostering skill development, we ensure they are ready to excel in their careers.”
