Balša Bazović: Leading mobile app development during his EZ Booker co-op

For many students, co-ops are a way to get their foot in the door—an opportunity to gain experience, shadow professionals, and maybe contribute in small ways. But for Balša Bazović, a junior at RIT Croatia’s Web and Mobile Computing program, his co-op at EZ Booker became something much bigger. Instead of being assigned minor tasks, he led the development of a vital mobile app that would revolutionize how tour operators manage their bookings.

An opportunity that led to something bigger

Balša initially hadn’t planned to do his co-op at EZ Booker. He had his sights set on an international co-op, but when that fell through, he turned to professor Toni Njirić—who also happens to be the founder of EZ Booker and an RIT Croatia alumnus. Impressed by Balša’s previous classwork, professor Njirić didn’t hesitate to offer him an opportunity. What started as a summer internship soon turned into a key role in developing EZ Booker’s mobile app.

The role of EZ Booker in the tourism industry

EZ Booker is a centralized booking system that partners with industry giants like Viator and GetYourGuide to help tour suppliers streamline operations, increase revenue, and manage bookings efficiently. While the system was already well established, there was one missing piece - a mobile app. Tour operators in the field still had to rely on phone calls and manual booking updates, a process that was far from efficient. The new app would change that, making bookings accessible and manageable in just a few clicks.

Trusting a Junior Developer with a high-stakes project

For many companies, assigning a junior developer to lead a major project would be unthinkable. But professor Njurić saw something special in Balša—his work ethic, adaptability, and willingness to learn. Instead of giving him small, isolated tasks, professor Njirić handed him the reins of the mobile app development.

“Balša’s strong sense of accountability and maturity reassured us that even when faced with unfamiliar tasks, he would find a way to excel,” professor Njirić explained.

The results spoke for themselves. The app was met with overwhelming client approval, who called it a “game changer.” It automated many of the previously manual processes, allowing tour operators to focus on providing better service rather than scrambling to manage bookings.

Overcoming challenges and learning on the job

While Balša didn’t encounter major roadblocks in coding the app, he did face some technical challenges, particularly in setting up the development environment on his personal computer. However, his biggest learning experience came from working with a live product and receiving immediate client feedback.

“It was more fun than anything,” Balša said. “Professor Njirić was very flexible, and his feedback was constructive, which made fixing mistakes easier.”

Balša credits his coursework at RIT Croatia for preparing him well. “The courses are structured in a way that each new skill builds on the previous one. Everything I learned over my first two years was exactly what I needed for this role.”

More than just a co-op —A true growth experience

Perhaps the most rewarding part of the experience was the level of trust placed in Balša. Many interns never get to work on live products, let alone contribute meaningfully to them. At EZ Booker, Balša wasn’t just an intern—he was a key player in a rapidly growing company.

“I appreciate the trust professor Njirić has in me. To be given this level of responsibility as an intern means a lot,” Balša said.

And his journey with EZ Booker isn’t over yet—he plans to return for his second co-op, continuing to refine and improve the mobile app.

Why real-world experience matters in IT

Balša’s story is a perfect example of why hands-on experience is crucial in the IT industry. While coursework lays the foundation, nothing compares to solving real problems in a live environment.

Toni Njirić, as both a professor and business owner, emphasizes this point. “Students who embrace curiosity and continuous learning will always have an edge. The IT industry is looking for people who can adapt, think critically, and solve problems in real-time.”

And it’s not just IT students who can benefit. EZ Booker continues to offer opportunities in marketing, sales, and business development, proving that gaining practical experience is valuable across all fields.

For students looking to make the most of their co-op experiences, Balša offers simple but important advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Approach your co-op as a learning opportunity and take every chance to improve.”