Natali Belušić joins Goldman Sachs as a Summer Analyst

Natali Belušić, a junior International Business student at the Zagreb campus, has built an academic path that’s as ambitious as it is inspiring. Actively involved in the Honors Program, Peer Mentoring, tutoring, and several student clubs, Natali has taken every chance to contribute to the community. “I enjoy being part of the RIT community and love participating in events organized at the college,” she shares.

The benefits of being a part of an international community

Her connection to RIT Croatia began in high school through a competition, where she was struck by how welcoming and motivated the faculty were, even before she became a student. From the beginning, she wasn’t just looking for a degree, but for a place where she could grow, explore, and challenge herself. “American type of education might feel unfamiliar at first, but it opens up opportunities that are hard to imagine at the beginning.”

Those open doors led Natali to experiences that have shaped her both personally and professionally. She credits courses like Financial Management and Principles of Macroeconomics for giving her a solid foundation. “The courses provided me with essential skills that proved especially valuable during recent interviews and networking experiences.” In 2023, she joined the Work and Travel program and spent the summer in Michigan. That experience inspired her to pursue an international internship in London this summer, followed by her senior year at RIT’s main campus in Rochester, New York.

So far, she has co-authored two academic papers as part of the Honors Program, both published through international conferences. The first, Artificial Intelligence and Employment: Less Need for Blue-Collar or White-Collar Jobs, was co-authored with Dr. Jasminka Samardžija and published through the International Odyssey Conference on Economics & Business. The second, Citation in the Digital Age, was written with Dr. Evelina Miščin and presented at the International Scientific and Professional Conference: Young Scientists in Dialogue. Currently, she is working on two additional research papers: Best Ways to Build Cohesion in Remote Teams and Digitalization of Banking Processes and Adaptation for Elderly People.

Gaining hands-on experience in London

One of the most exciting milestones in Natali’s journey so far has been landing a highly competitive internship with Goldman Sachs. “The acceptance rate for the 2024 program was less than one percent globally,” she explains. “When I applied, I honestly did not expect to be considered, but in the end, I received an offer, which is truly an honor.” Her proactive approach played a key role in her success: “I started networking well before officially applying. This often involved reaching out to several professionals.” After tailoring her resume and cover letter to the role, she successfully made it through the selection process. This summer, Natali will join Goldman Sachs in London as a Summer Analyst in the Risk Division. “I’m most excited about meeting industry professionals and having the chance to work on projects that carry significant impact,” she says.

To new students, she offers simple advice: “Always say yes to the opportunities that come their way. Even if the timing feels off or you don’t feel fully ready, the opportunity wouldn’t come if there wasn’t confidence in your ability to handle it.”