Career Education Days 2025: 25 years of connecting students and industry

The recently concluded RIT Croatia Career Education Days (CED) 2025 reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to bridging the gap between education and industry. With two highly successful events held in Dubrovnik (February 28) and Zagreb (March 11), this year's CED brought together students, alumni, and top industry professionals in an engaging networking environment.

A Milestone Year for Career Education

Marking 25 years of Career Day tradition, RIT Croatia once again provided students with invaluable opportunities to connect with potential employers, gain industry insights, and showcase their skills. The event gathered 63 companies, featuring leading names in tourism, hospitality, IT, finance, marketing, finance, human resources, consulting, and retail. With 175 company representatives in attendance, students had the chance to interact directly with industry leaders through company pitch sessions, panel discussions, workshops, and speed networking sessions. Additionally, the support of 60 student volunteers helped ensure the smooth execution of both events.

Recognizing Outstanding Achievements

One of the highlights at the CED 2025 was the recognition of outstanding student achievements. The Exceptional Coop Student Performance Award celebrates students who excelled in cooperative education, a fundamental part of RIT Croatia’s experiential learning model. The winners in this category were:

  • Ivo Miguel Kisić (NMD)
  • Ante Pirjak (WMC Zagreb)
  • Zara Plevko (GBM)
  • Mark Sinishtaj (WMC Dubrovnik)
  • Ana Vujović (HTM)

In addition, the Experiential Learning Ambassador Award was presented to individuals who have played a pivotal role in enhancing hands-on learning experiences at RIT Croatia. This year’s recipients were:

Alumni and Industry Engagement

This year’s CED also saw the return of 25 alumni who participated as company representatives, sharing their professional experiences and mentoring current students. Their involvement underscores the strength of RIT Croatia’s alumni network and its commitment to continuous learning and career development.

Looking Ahead: The Impact of CED on Student Careers

Reflecting on the success of CED 2025, Dr. Irena Guszak, RIT Croatia President and Dean, emphasized the critical role these events play in preparing students for the workforce:

“Career Education Days are not just about networking; they are about preparing students for their professional journeys. By connecting them with industry leaders, exposing them to real-world challenges, and fostering skill development, we ensure they are ready to excel in their careers.”

As RIT Croatia continues its mission of providing innovative, career-oriented education, the success of CED 2025 serves as a testament to the institution’s impact on student success and industry collaboration. With another milestone year behind us, the anticipation for next year’s event is already building.