On the way up

1. Briefly describe the course of your career.

Željko: The first job I had after high school was related to satellite and cable systems. Since I graduated from technical school, it was logical to work in technical jobs. Along with studying at the Faculty of Transport Sciences, that job was a good source of income, but I didn't see my future that way. At that time, I decided to work in the hospitality industry, so at the age of 22, I rented a catering facility by the sea. That story lasted three years and I gained a lot of experience in it. While studying at VERN', I was looking for a job and a career that would satisfy my interests and it happened that I was offered a job in the sales department of a weekly newspaper that was just being founded. The job sounded interesting, although it was a project in its infancy with no guarantee that it would be successful. I liked the owner's vision, in which I also recognized my place. Fortunately, but with the great commitment and enthusiasm of all employees, the project was more successful than expected, and the business weekly Lider is today recognized and known as the best business newspaper in Croatia.

2. Where do you currently work?

Željko: I work at Lider press dd

3. Briefly introduce the company you work for (activity, number of employees, when it was founded, references...).

Željko: Lider press dd is a newspaper and publishing company founded in 2005. It is 100% Croatian-owned, 55% of which is owned by employees, and the remaining 45% by investors from Croatia. The company's core products are the printed edition of the business weekly Lider and the online edition of Lider www.liderpress.hr. The company currently employs around 50 people, some of whom are full-time employees and some are part-time employees, which is typical for a media company. In addition to the printed and electronic edition of the weekly, we also organize very successful business events such as forums with guest appearances by Jack Welch and Tom Peters, the Corporate Security conference, and the publishing and sale of current business literature.

4. What is your function, job description and responsibilities?

Željko: I work as the Head of Promotion and PR. My job involves designing and implementing Lider's promotional activities. This includes creating concepts (visuals, texts, placement, media plan) for advertising, promotional and PR materials for the weekly magazine, conferences and publishing, and placing this information in Lider itself, on Lider's web portal and in other media. I also plan Lider's promotional actions, such as awarding a scholarship for the Specialist study in Business Communications Management, which we organized together with VERN'. I am directly involved in the organization of all events organized by Lider, which in addition to conferences also means various anniversaries, promotions, internal events for Lider employees and the like.

5. What does your workday look like?

Željko: My working day depends on the project I'm working on. It's rare that I work on just one project. It can be tiring, but with good organization and planning, it's possible to do everything well. What's usually done in the morning is to review the current press and news on web portals, review incoming emails, and set plans for the day. I assign a priority to each job and complete tasks accordingly. Mondays are the day when the company holds a meeting with the heads of all departments and the editors of the publication, where we analyze the events of the past week, exchange the most important information from each department, and plan the upcoming week based on current events. Of course, urgent tasks that need to be done according to their urgency often 'jump into' the plans, so it's not uncommon to stay after working hours.

6. How and at what point did you decide to enroll at VERN' Polytechnic?

Željko: I was looking for a college where I wouldn't just have to 'cram' the assigned books, but where I would be able to learn concrete and applicable business knowledge. I saw myself in the business world. After talking to a friend who enrolled at VERN' and doing my own research, I realized that this was the school that would give me what I was looking for. Fortunately, it was one of my good career decisions.

7. How does your education (knowledge and skills acquired during your studies) help you in your job?

Željko: I mentioned earlier that I graduated from a technical school and briefly attended the Faculty of Political Science, which means that my knowledge of the world of business, economics, and business skills was very narrow. At VERN', I expanded and acquired knowledge and skills that I often use in my work, and it's hard for me to single out any specific ones.

8. What are your plans for the future? What motivates you?

Željko: I am satisfied with my position and the work I do because it is very dynamic and requires a lot of creativity. The company is collaboratively connected with almost all types of activities and a wide range of business circles, so I have the opportunity to meet a large number of people from different industries and their businesses, which is a great value. We have a lot of ideas and plans in the company, so we are constantly developing new projects, which I enjoy and which is a challenge that motivates me, so my plans are related to Lider. This year I also enrolled in the specialist study of UPKOM at VERN, so completing that study is also one of my plans for the future.

9. Do you have a "recipe" for success and/or advice for colleagues who are currently studying at VERN?

Željko: Commit to the work you do, be responsible, and constantly work on improving your skills. When you recognize an opportunity, don't miss it and don't give up without a fight.