Lukrecija Novaković shines at WorldSkills 2024 competition in Lyon

Lukrecija Novaković, a second-year student in the Hospitality and Tourism Management program at RIT Croatia, recently competed at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France. Held from September 10-15, 2024, the event drew over 1,400 contestants from around the world, all showcasing their expertise across various skills. Lukrecija was one of nine talented individuals representing Croatia, competing in the category of Hotel Reception, a field that tested not just knowledge but grace under pressure, multitasking, and delivering top-tier customer service.

Lukrecija’s journey to WorldSkills Lyon began in 2023, when she participated in WorldSkills Croatia, a national event celebrating vocational skills. “I decided to enter the competition while representing my high school, the Tourism and Hospitality School Dubrovnik, in the discipline of Tourism Destination,” she recalled. The competition tested her ability to analyze tourist markets, trends, and customer experiences. “Winning first place at the national level gave me confidence, but it wasn’t until a year later, when a former high school professor encouraged me to apply for WorldSkills Lyon, that I fully grasped the magnitude of the opportunity. I was terrified but knew I had to go for it.”

For Lukrecija, the foundation of her passion for hospitality came from her upbringing. "My father owns a restaurant, and growing up, I was constantly exposed to the importance of great service and creating memorable experiences for guests," she explained. This early exposure fueled her desire to pursue formal education in hospitality management, leading her to RIT Croatia. “The coursework at RIT Croatia has been crucial in preparing me for the competition,” Lukrecija said. “From guest relations to operations and problem-solving, the hands-on learning helped me compete with confidence.”

In preparation for the competition, Lukrecija also worked closely with her mentor, Amela Obad, a former high school professor and expert in hotel management. “For three months, we met daily, focusing on front office procedures, communication, and handling challenging guest situations,” Lukrecija shared. "The training was intense, but it prepared me for the high-pressure environment I would face in Lyon."

Competing on the international stage was a dream come true for Lukrecija. "The atmosphere in Lyon was electric," she said. "Being surrounded by so many skilled individuals motivated me to push my limits. The event was more than just a competition—it was an opportunity to learn, network, and celebrate our shared passion for hospitality."

The competition itself was rigorous, with Lukrecija performing tasks that simulated real-world hotel reception duties. “Each day began with responding to about 15 emails dealing with offers, inquiries, complaints, and employee meetings,” she said. “Later, we transitioned to the front office, where we handled everything from guest requests to unexpected situations. The most challenging part was balancing all these tasks while maintaining excellent customer service. It was like working in a real hotel, and I loved every minute of it.”

Representing Croatia on the international stage was a deeply emotional experience for Lukrecija. “Waving the Croatian flag in front of 12,000 people, alongside my fellow Croatian competitors, was a moment I’ll never forget,” she said. "I felt such pride and responsibility to represent my country and its values."

Reflecting on her experience, Lukrecija emphasized the personal and professional growth she gained. "WorldSkills Lyon pushed me beyond my limits and taught me the importance of problem-solving under pressure, effective communication, and time management. I also had the opportunity to meet industry experts and see global standards in action, which will influence my future career."

Looking ahead, Lukrecija has her sights set on EuroSkills, an upcoming European competition. "Balancing my studies at RIT Croatia with preparation for EuroSkills will be a challenge, but I'm excited for the opportunity to further refine my skills," she shared. She also hopes to join the WorldSkills Champion Trust, an organization that promotes the achievements of WorldSkills competitors.

Lukrecija’s advice to other students aspiring to compete in WorldSkills or similar competitions is simple: “Go for it! Embrace the challenge and take the opportunity to showcase your skills. Preparation is key, so invest time in honing your craft and seek guidance from mentors. The sky’s the limit if you truly believe it.”

As she moves forward, Lukrecija plans to apply the lessons learned at WorldSkills Lyon to her future career in hospitality management. "Whether in customer service or guest relations, the experience has given me a deeper understanding of the industry’s expectations," she said. “I’m excited to pursue further training, international internships, and certifications to continue growing in the field.”