During March 2025, various workshops and lectures were organized at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management for students to acquire the new knowledge and skills needed to enter the labour market as part of Career Month at FTHM.
On March 7, 2025, training for trainee mentors was held. The aim of the education entitled The role of students and mentors in the process of internship was to exchange knowledge and experience in organizing and conducting student internships and to analyse trends and challenges in mentoring new generations of students. Prof. PhD Marinela Krstinić Nižić, the Vice Dean for Development, opened the workshop, thanking all employers for their support and mentorship of students during their internships. The benefits of mentoring were presented by Assoc. Prof. PhD Ivana Ivančić, Head of Internship for Study Programmes in Hospitality Management and Tourism Management, and Assoc. Prof. PhD Maša Trinajstić, Head of Internship for Study Programmes in Sustainable Development Management, presented the results of a survey conducted among students regarding their internship experiences. Nikoleta Zubić, MSc Econ., MSc Psych., Head of the Professional Guidance and Career Development Council at the University of Rijeka, presented the challenges that mentors face and initiated a debate on new forms of communication and motivation. Their experiences were shared by the employers’ mentors present, who pointed out that each mentor should dedicate himself to the student and introduce the business and organizational structure of the company. The education was attended by 50 mentors from tourist boards, travel agencies, local self-government units, and hotel groups. All participants received certificates of participation in the educational program.
On March 11, 2025, the students had the opportunity to participate in an inspirational conversation with Ana Bogović, the hotel manager of Hilton Hotels Zagreb. A conversation called “Your faculty, your career: the experiences of those who have succeeded” was moderated by Prof. PhD Krstina Črnjar, and Ana Bogović shared her fascinating career path – from receptionist to manager of two Hilton hotels in Zagreb. Students learned about the career development process in a hotel company, the skills employers require of young people today, and how to achieve success in the hotel industry.
During FTHM Career Month activities, students had the opportunity to attend lectures on how to successfully start and run their own businesses, as well as learn about digital marketing skills. On March 20, 2025, our Alumnus Marko Blažić, along with Victoria Kršul, presented the Job of the modern age, specifically the digital marketing agency Vixualize, and signed an internship agreement with the Faculty. Students also had the opportunity to participate in the workshop Emotional Intelligence, the magic of the pulse of organizational harmony, which focuses them on developing communication skills, teamwork, and creativity. Ljupčo Kevereski, from the University of St. Clement Ohridski in North Macedonia, delivered the lecture, thereby also lending Career Month an international character.
The central activity of the Career Month was held on March 24, 2025 with a career panel on Whether every beginning is difficult with our Alumni, who have enviable careers in the hotel industry. The goal of the career panel is to share the first working experiences together and discuss relevant topics related to career paths and labour market challenges. Mia Butković from Hilton Rijeka Costabella Beach Resort & Spa, Mario Garac from Amadriapark – Millennium Hotels, Amir Makarević from Valamar Hotels & Resort, and Jelena Mrak from Jadran Hotels & Camps shared their experiences with us. The student Zoia Dimić moderated this very interesting panel, which aroused great interest and discussion among the students. After the career panel, students and employers continued to discuss relevant topics related to careers, the labour market, and current employment opportunities. Career Month activities on FTHM continued in cooperation with Career Days at the University of Rijeka, culminating in the ALUMNI UNIRI STARS event held on March 24, 2025. The event featured a prominent FTHM Alumnus, Prof. PhD Irena Ateljević, who has achieved an international scientific career. The Career Month at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management ended with the JOB FAIR on March 27th, in cooperation with the University of Rijeka. The Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management thanks all lecturers, Alumni, and employers who selflessly share their rich experiences and knowledge, all with the aim of better and faster preparing students for the labour market. We also thank employers who host FTHM students for their internships, which have become an inevitable route to first contacts with employers.
