PVZG student achieves successful international career

Zagreb School of Business has once again proven that its studies prepare students for the jobs of the future and create an excellent foundation for further education and advancement. Below is an interview with our alumnus Ervin Fetibegović, who enrolled in the Master’s study in Denmark after his undergraduate professional study of Marketing at PVZG based on his excellent results and the recommendation of PVZG. Today, Ervin works as a Content Specialist at a marketing agency in Copenhagen and cooperates with world-renowned brands such as Adidas, Reebok, and Ford.

Interview with Ervin Fetibegović, PVZG Alumnus, the year of 2016

1. WHY DID YOU ENROLL IN MARKETING STUDIES AT PVZG?

After graduating high school, I thought a lot about which college to enroll in. Like most students, I was not thinking about enrolling in a private college but a state one. However, when I realized that marketing as such is not available at public colleges, except in terms of economics and only later possible specialization in marketing, I decided to consider a private college. As I had a friend who enrolled in marketing studies at PVZG the year before, after consulting with him and hearing his impressions, I realized that I liked the study program. It was then that I decided that studying marketing at PVZG was for me and I didn’t regret it.

2. BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE OF STUDYING AT PVZG.

As this was my first year of study and everything was new to me, I didn’t know what to expect. What I liked the most and what I would compare with colleagues and friends who studied at other public colleges in Croatia is the relationship between professors and students, which is much better in terms of communication and closeness. The professors at the Zagreb School of Business are much more open and do not perceive the student only as a number.

3. FAVORITE COURSES.

As my favorite courses, I would single out Direct Marketing held by professor Luburić and Marketing Management held by professor Neven Šipić. I must also mention Business Intelligence, which is taught by Schools´s external associate Mirko Bilandžić.

4. WHAT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS ACQUIRED AT PVZG DO YOU APPLY IN YOUR DAILY BUSINESS?

I would single out communication skills that help me a lot in my daily interaction with superiors at work. However, marketing is an area that is constantly changing. In the position I am currently employed in resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability are important to these constant changes.

5. DURING YOUR STUDIES AT PVZG, YOU WERE A MEMBER OF THE CREATIVE DEPARTMENT OF PROMOTION 3STO7. DO YOU THINK THAT EXPERIENCES OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES DURING STUDIES ARE IMPORTANT?

I consider extracurricular activities to be one of the most important factors during studies. As a member of promotion 3sto7, I learned how marketing actually works. We applied the theory we learned in class in practice, for example in the preparation of the freshmen year celebration. Teamwork was also very important here.

6. YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR UNDERGRADUATE PROFESSIONAL STUDY OF MARKETING WITH GREAT SUCCESS. HOW DID YOU BALANCE STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES, ACHIEVING GREAT RESULTS, AND PRIVATE COMMITMENTS?

I think that during the studies, activity during classes, and participation in debates and discussions with professors and other students is very important because that is the best way to learn. Also, the organization is important as well as time management and how you set your priorities – this way, everything can be done.

7. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE DENMARK TO CONTINUE YOUR STUDIES?

In the third year of studying at PVZG, I considered further study outside Croatia. For financial and other practical reasons, I decided to stay in Europe. In the end, I decided to go to Denmark, where I enrolled in the Master of International Marketing at Aalborg University with the professor’s recommendation of PVZG. The study was formed as “problem-based learning” where we worked on “real-life” cases and with real companies. Here, I gained new experiences, learned about new cultures, and made many international connections through networking.

8. HOW DID YOUR INTERNATIONAL CAREER HAPPEN?

After graduating from Aalborg University, I decided to move to Copenhagen and look for a job. I am currently working as a Content Specialist at Wunderman Thompson MAP Agency in Copenhagen. The agency does business with the world’s largest brands. The main activity of the agency is marketing automation, personalization, and customer relationship management. Specifically, we help large companies humanize the brand-customer relationship. I am currently working with Adidas and Reebok clients globally and with Ford at the European level.

9. FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS WHO WANT TO TRY THEIR HAND AT A MARKETING CAREER?

First of all, I advise them to think carefully about the options because marketing is a wide term. Marketing is not only its creative part and advertising but also planning, optimization, research, analysis… As the most important element for career development I consider networking through which you gain acquaintances and friendships with future colleagues working for companies around the world. I advise everyone who wants to challenge themselves in a marketing career to just persevere!