Alumna Nikolina Jovanović: from hospitality student to global entrepreneur

Nikolina Jovanović’s journey from studying Hospitality and Service Management and graduating at RIT Croatia’s Dubrovnik campus in 2007 to becoming a dynamic entrepreneur is a story of resilience, passion, and innovation. Today, she leads ventures across multiple industries, including hospitality, technology, and telecommunications, but her foundation was laid during her time at RIT Croatia, where her entrepreneurial spirit kicked off.

Building a solid foundation in Dubrovnik

Originally from Osijek, Nikolina’s time at RIT Croatia was transformative. “Studying in Dubrovnik was an incredible experience,” she recalls. While adjusting to life away from family and hometown friends was challenging, the supportive community at RIT Croatia helped her grow. Surrounded by like-minded individuals, she found inspiration and formed lifelong friendships. Her education in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program equipped her with the essential business principles—marketing, finance, and management—that would later prove invaluable in her entrepreneurial career.

Her studies didn’t only take place in the classroom. Through practical experiences such as co-op placements and internships, Nikolina gained firsthand insights into the world of hospitality and business. “The co-op at Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa in Colorado was particularly transformative,” she explains. Here, she rotated through different departments and gained a comprehensive understanding of hotel operations, deepening her passion for the industry.

The leap into entrepreneurship

After completing her degree, Nikolina’s career took off. She quickly rose to a senior position in marketing and sales with a hotel group, where she applied the skills she had honed during her studies and co-op experiences. This position gave her a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry, preparing her for the next leap: leading a multimillion-dollar company and managing a five-star hotel as CEO. “The journey was bittersweet and filled with invaluable lessons,” she reflects. Despite the challenges of such senior roles, her entrepreneurial drive and focus on results pushed her forward.

But Nikolina’s ambitions didn’t stop there. With the rise of tech giants like Apple and Facebook, she saw an opportunity to innovate at the intersection of telecommunications, technology, and travel. She developed a unique trademark that integrated these sectors, which fueled her passion for exploring global markets and solidified her commitment to entrepreneurship across various industries. This led to her pivotal role as Business Development Director for EMEA in London at a high-tech telecommunications company headquartered in Hong Kong.

Each experience contributed to her confidence and clarity about her purpose. “I began to recognize the immense value of the knowledge I had accumulated,” she says, and this realization empowered her to continue pushing boundaries in the business world.

The impact of co-ops on leadership

Nikolina credits her co-op experiences for shaping her leadership style, particularly as the founder of Indigo Sails, her entrepreneurial venture. “Resilience was the most important lesson I learned,” she explains. Faced with unfamiliar environments and challenges during her co-ops, she developed the ability to adapt and stay true to her values. These experiences taught her how to take setbacks in stride and maintain focus on long-term goals, a skill she carried with her into the business world.

“As the founder of Indigo Sails, resilience became the cornerstone of my leadership,” she says. She embraced failure as a learning opportunity and instilled this mindset in her team, fostering a culture of innovation and perseverance. This leadership style has allowed Indigo Sails to thrive, even in the face of obstacles.

Giving back: The importance of co-op programs

Now an employer herself, Nikolina is a strong advocate for co-op programs. She believes they are vital for bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application. In her work with RIT Croatia students Maya Dijaković and Abdelrahman Edris, she witnessed firsthand the value of these programs. “Their eagerness to learn was inspiring,” she says, and she encouraged them to explore beyond their primary roles in marketing and sales, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the business landscape.

For Nikolina, co-op programs benefit both students and employers. They offer students hands-on experience while bringing fresh perspectives to organizations. Reflecting on her own co-op experiences, Nikolina is grateful for the opportunity to share her knowledge with the next generation of professionals.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

When asked what advice she would give to young professionals entering the travel and hospitality industry, Nikolina emphasizes the importance of embracing digital transformation. “The future of travel and hospitality is digital,” she says, urging students to familiarize themselves with digital tools that enhance customer experiences. She encourages students to stay updated on trends like sustainable tourism, virtual reality experiences, and the rise of remote work, all of which are reshaping the industry.

For current RIT Croatia students, her advice for maximizing the co-op experience is simple: “Embrace the present moment and be proactive.” She encourages students to explore different roles and industries without fear, believing that experimentation is key to discovering one’s true passions. “Don’t let fear hold you back,” she says. “Be the architect of your own success story.”