Alumna Julija Trošić: Mastering careers in restaurant business and education

Julija Trošić, an International Business alumna of RIT Croatia, has carved a noticeable path in the world of entrepreneurship. Her journey began in her sophomore year of high school during a long-term exchange program in Columbus, Ohio. This experience ignited her passion for the U.S. educational system. Upon returning to Croatia, she discovered the opportunity to pursue an American education at RIT Croatia, right in her hometown of Zagreb. "Growing up in Zagreb, this was an incredible chance to stay home while experiencing cultural diversity and embracing a student-oriented environment," she recalls.

Educational Influence

Julija credits her studies at RIT Croatia for significantly influencing her entrepreneurial spirit. "Whenever I have the opportunity, I cannot stress enough how much RIT Croatia has helped me in my career path. The in-class presentations and the coverage of business, marketing, and finance planning have been tremendously beneficial." She emphasizes the importance of the knowledge gained at RIT Croatia, which gave her the confidence to step outside her comfort zone and pursue entrepreneurial ventures.

Her education prepared her well for the challenges of starting and running a business. "RIT Croatia first provided me with the basic theoretical knowledge of running and operating a business. The course structures and the focus on 'creating new value' were amazing. The numerous case studies and in-class brainstorming sessions undoubtedly boosted my interest in creating something on my own." A pivotal moment came during her first business class with Prof. Maja Vidović, where she initially envisioned herself climbing the corporate ladder. However, RIT Croatia's comprehensive education changed her perspective, eventually steering her towards entrepreneurship.

Career Development through Co-op Program

The mandatory co-op program at RIT Croatia played a crucial role in shaping Julija's career path. Her first internship was in Columbus, Ohio, where she worked in the marketing office for a large health corporation. This experience made her realize she wanted to create something independently. "The co-ops allow you to discover who you want to be in your career and what direction you should further develop after graduating. It certainly saved me a couple of years of wandering in the wrong environment and not fully utilizing my potential."

Opening of Konoba Nono

Julija's entrepreneurial journey led her to open a restaurant in Pirovac, where she spent every summer as a child. When the opportunity arose to take over a prime location restaurant, she couldn't resist. "I had never thought about opening a restaurant, but with my entrepreneurial spirit, I couldn’t let an opportunity like that slip away." She quickly envisioned what Konoba Nono could become in five and ten years. Despite the challenges of renovating, finding workers, and securing financing, she persevered with the help of her business partner Martina Pavlović and co-owner Ivan Maršanić, a talented young chef.

Julija's background in international business heavily influenced her approach to opening and managing the restaurant. She applied her knowledge of planning, executing, and controlling to develop business plans, marketing strategies, financial projections, and product pricing strategies. "My education has shaped my mind to always focus on planning, executing, and controlling. All of this is taught at RIT Croatia and was a game changer in the success of the restaurant."

Winning the "Večernjakova Ruža" award was a significant milestone for Julija and her team at Konoba Nono. The award, given after just two months of opening, boosted their morale and significantly impacted their business. "We noticed a difference in revenue afterward; more and more people started becoming curious about what we offer, and most importantly, people started talking."

Teaching and Empowering Women

Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavors, Julija is passionate about teaching and empowering women. She developed the Women in Leadership (WIL) course at the European Business University, inspired by the need for a women-oriented leadership program. The course quickly became the most popular at the university, reaching over 2500 women globally. "The completion rates and testimonials spoke for themselves, and interest in the course kept growing."

Julija's most rewarding aspect of teaching the WIL course is learning from her students. "The life stories they share during live class sessions are incredible and inspiring. They continually push me to become a better businesswoman, entrepreneur, friend, sister, and mother."

Balancing Multiple Roles

Balancing her various roles as an entrepreneur, educator, and PhD candidate is challenging but fulfilling. "It’s never an equal balance. Sometimes businesses like Konoba Nono and other ventures I am involved in need more of my time. Winter is usually when I am very much focused on the research and teaching aspect."

Julija's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women, is to leave their comfort zones, plan without overthinking, and embrace the journey. "If you are not struggling, you probably are not growing. Amazing things start happening when you throw yourself out there."

Looking ahead, Julija has ambitious plans for both her restaurant and educational initiatives. She aims to expand her food trailer business and continue putting Pirovac on the gastronomy map. In education, she is set to complete her PhD and launch a new university in Luxembourg focused on Women in Leadership in rural areas, to educate 100,000 women in the next four years.

Julija Trošić's story is a testament to the power of education, determination, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Her journey from RIT Croatia to successful business ventures and impactful educational programs serves as an inspiration to many.