Student Jana Tepuš recognized with the BEST Award
Jana Tepuš, a sophomore Global Business Management student, is no stranger to leadership, teamwork, and initiative. Actively involved both on and off campus, Jana has founded two student clubs at the Zagreb campus, the RIThm dance team and the Volunteer Club, and currently serves as Vice President of a local committee within AIESEC, an international youth organization. Constantly seeking opportunities to grow and contribute, her dedication was recently recognized with the BEST Award by Samarcanda, a prestigious acknowledgment of excellence in creating outstanding guest experiences.
Receiving the award was a powerful and emotional moment for Jana that confirmed “the recognition of everything I have worked toward over the past years: the effort, engagement, and passion.”
Working with people at the core
Jana’s role at Samarcanda, an Italian hospitality and leisure entertainment company in Croatia, required close interaction with large and diverse audiences. “Working with large audiences requires approachability and openness,” she explains. Her ability to communicate in multiple languages also helped her connect more personally with guests from different cultures, strengthening the overall experience she helped create.
Having worked in various student organizations, initiatives, and projects, Jana developed a strong foundation in teamwork long before stepping into this role. She approached communication by focusing on understanding others and adapting to different personalities and working styles. “Through working in many different teams, I learned how to collaborate with people who have different personalities and communication styles,” she says.
Mentorship and leading by example
In addition to her own responsibilities, Jana was recognized for mentoring new team members and supporting their growth. Her leadership style focused on encouragement and supporting others through action. “I wanted new team members to feel confident and passionate about their roles, seeing them as opportunities to grow and try new things,” she explains.
Confidence, empathy, and adaptability were skills Jana had been developing long before this role. Performing and leading events on stage played a major role in shaping her confidence. From hosting festivals and performances in high school to appearing on larger stages such as the Croatian National Theatre, each experience prepared her for performing and leading in front of large audiences. “This journey prepared me to confidently lead
events in front of thousands of people and have no fear,” she says, adding that knowing she could rely on her team made the experience even smoother.
Lessons that last
Jana credits her education at RIT Croatia for strengthening her communication, organization, and leadership skills. Through coursework, she gained a deeper understanding of how businesses operate, alongside practical experience in presenting and public speaking. Group projects and presentations proved particularly valuable. “They are always an excellent preparation for the real world,” Jana explains. Beyond the classroom, involvement in student clubs and participation in major campus events such as College Day and Career Education Day allowed her to test and develop her skills even before entering the workplace.
Looking ahead, Jana says one lesson from this experience will stay with her throughout her studies and future career: “Persistence and genuine engagement are always recognized.” One of her most rewarding moments was hearing the audience’s applause and seeing the joy created through the experience. “Knowing that I helped make someone’s visit to Croatia unforgettable is the strongest motivation to keep pushing forward,” she concludes.
