SiSK

Q: What was your first job in the chemistry field after graduation, and how did it shape your career?

A: My first job was as a research assistant at the Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry at the Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb. Since that time, I have drawn inspiration from science, which has enabled me to solve various challenges in my business career.

Q: What achievement in your professional career are you most proud of, and why?

A: I am proud of a range of pharmaceutical products that have reached the market, as well as numerous colleagues who have achieved distinguished scientific and professional careers. he reason is simple but powerful: pharmaceutical products save lives, and the success of dedicated colleagues and students drives real change, making the world a better place in meaningful ways.

~Ernest Meštrović

Q: What is your brief professional background?

A: Graduated Chemistry at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Zagreb in 1995, started my career at Pliva as an analytical chemist. During my career I performed a lot of roles in the pharmaceutical industry, in areas of quality control, quality assurance and quality compliance in manufacturing of API and final dosage forms. Currently, I have a role as a head of product development in the animal health industry.

Q: What is the thing you look forward to the most?

A: It is nice to be back at the university where I graduated and see my daughter as a chemistry student and active participant at this conference.

~Ivica Komočar

Q: What specific insights you will bring to the discussion?

A: I have a perspective from both the industry and science, having worked in both fields. My experience in the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and oil industries has provided me with valuable insights into their main differences as well as some commonalities.

Q: What are some notable accomplishments or projects that you've worked on related to the panel theme?

A: Working at INA is more exciting than ever, as the company aligns with energy transition initiatives. This shift brings a completely new set of activities and challenges, transforming the work compared to the traditional refining business.

~Martina Hrkovac

Q: How did your international experience impact your personal or academic growth?

A: It has for sure made me more independent since I had to live alone for the first time in my life, but especially more open to different viewpoints and cultures since the city I live in is much more multicultural than Zagreb/Croatia. For the academic growth, I would say it helped me focus on the important aspects of education in general, but my studies as a whole because of the different approach to education in Denmark.

Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone considering studying abroad?

A: Just do it, don’t be scared because in the end it’s going to be the best experience in your life and it’s going to be something you will remember forever.

~Antun Zelić

Q: What was your biggest challenge while studying abroad, and how did you overcome it?

A: Honestly, the biggest challenge was dealing with all the requested paperwork regarding the Erasmus+ scholarship, and getting fast and sufficient answers from my home and host institutions. I overcame it by doing the research, asking a lot of questions and being determined in my goal to study abroad.

Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time abroad?

A: It's really hard to choose one, but I think it would be the last dinner and night out I had with all of my flatmates. Even though it was really sad because our first flatmate was leaving the next day, my heart was so filled with love for those people that I felt so happy and grateful to have met them and have the privilege to share my whole Erasmus experience and my home with them.

~Lea Komočar

Q: What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone considering studying abroad?

A: I would advise everyone to study abroad, as I believe it’s an excellent opportunity to not only explore a new environment but also to get to know themselves better. It allows you to embrace everything that’s offered to you, so you can later implement those experiences and knowledge in your own country.

Q: What's your favorite memory from your time abroad?

A: My favorite memory from my time abroad is a sampling trip we had in Northern Spain. During the trip, my friend and I accidentally bumped our assistant, and he fell off the boat into a reservoir. In the end, we all ended up swimming together, and it turned into a hilarious and unforgettable experience!

~Lea Raos

Q: What was your biggest challenge while studying abroad, and how did you overcome it?

A: One of the biggest challenges I faced was balancing my social life with academics. Studying in a new country is an amazing experience, but adapting to a different academic system can be tricky. With so many events for Erasmus students, finding that balance became really important.

Q: What's your favorite memory from your time abroad?

A: My Erasmus experience broadened my horizons, taught me to solve problems independently, gave me the chance to study in English and improve it, opened up professional opportunities, and introduced me to amazing people who taught me so much and became my friends.

~Lucija Marić

Round tables

What is a round table?

Science vs. industry

Student tips & tricks