The bridge between RIT Croatia and Hospitality Industry: from Classroom to Office Room

by Ana Vujović, 3^rd year student at the HTM program

Let me take you through my co-op journey…

As May approached, I felt confident in my summer work plans, knowing exactly what and where I would be working. It had become somewhat of a tradition for me to return to Rijeka, my hometown, and work as a Guest Experience, as I had done so for the past three years. At least I thought I knew, all until Career Education Day happened last March. For those who are unfamiliar, Career Education Day is an event organized by RIT Croatia, where numerous companies present themselves to us students and potentially offer summer co-op positions. I had applied to four of these summer offer jobs, mostly to gain some interview experience. While the event itself and the interviews I’ve done were interesting and insightful, my mind remained fixated (tunnel vision) on my original plan.

And then came the second round of interviews, this time at the company’s headquarters. Among them was also the position of Marketing Assistant Intern at Dubrovnik Sea Sun Hotels. I recall speaking with my mum both before and after that particular interview; it went from just casually mentioning "Mom, I'm just going to the interview to see what it's like." to „Mom I will take this job“. The interviewers, and especially my current boss who is also an RIT Croatia alumna, have convinced me that this is the opportunity I mustn’t miss out. I simply felt that I would be both guided and appreciated. Isn't that what a co-op is supposed to be all about? Yes, for me this sounded like a missed out chance to take the knowledge acquired in the classroom and apply it to the real-world office setting on a new level.

Fast forward to July, and here I am, sitting in the office of Dubrovnik Sea Sun Hotels, alongside three RIT Croatia alumni, planning together with my boss the itinerary for the concert event of Matija Cvek organized at our Kalamota Beach House hotel. I draw upon everything I learned from Kevin Walker's budgeting lessons, Rebecca Cherry's teachings on crafting persuasive texts to attract visitors, and Milena Kužnin’s expertise in market targeting.

Working here has taught me that the most crucial skill in an office environment is the ability to present oneself and ideas persuasively. Observing my RIT Croatia coworkers, I've realized that a degree isn't necessarily the only determining factor in shaping your career path. Despite all three of them pursuing hospitality studies, they've succeeded in securing positions in different fields such as sales, marketing, IT and digital marketing. And I think it all comes down to their ability to present themselves and get the job they want.

When someone mentions summer co-op, you may not initially associate it with happiness because it often takes away time from our usual summer activities. However, who would have thought that a co-op could encompass not only office work but also food tastings, photoshoots, and interior design? It serves as a bridge between the classroom and the office room, making learning come alive.