Lorena Stošić: Reflections and Growth Post-Best Stay 2023
Meet Lorena Stošić, an ambitious 18-year-old from Osijek, recently graduated from a hospitality and tourism school.
Lorena's journey into the world of hospitality began with her studies, where she actively engaged in various projects and competitions to deepen her understanding of tourism.
In 2023, Lorena participated as a panelist at the Best Stay Event, and in this interview, we explore how her perspective has evolved since then.
Lorena, could you briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your background and studies in hospitality and tourism?
My name is Lorena Stošić and I come from Osijek. I am 18 years old and I recently graduated from the hospitality and tourism school. At school I was involved in various projects and competitions where I expanded my knowledge about tourism and hospitality.
Since participating in the Best Stay event last year, how has your perspective on the hospitality and tourism industry changed or evolved?
My perspective has not changed, but it has certainly evolved and brought me closer to tourism. I am encouraged to stay in this industry in the future and maybe open something of my own.
Have you taken on any new roles or projects at school or in your Imaginary Reality club since then?
Yes, I participated in the Worldskills Croatia 2024 competition in the tourist destination discipline. There we had to make tourist offers for clients in a certain time.
It was a very nice experience where I met a lot of talented young people my age who are interested in tourism.
What were some of the most important lessons you learned at the Best Stay event that you’ve applied in your studies or projects?
I learned that contact with people and its expansion is very important. That it is always good to develop your knowledge and after all to not be afraid to take risks for our future in this industry.
Did you make any significant connections at the event that have been beneficial to you over the past year?
Unfortunately not, but I hope that will change in the future.
How did participating in the panel discussion and the program at Best Stay enhance your skills or outlook on your future career in hospitality and tourism?
It only motivated and attracted me even more to stay in this industry.
What are your career goals after graduating from your hospitality and tourism school?
I will take a gap year, to rest and work in different hotels, and then I would like to enroll in the Faculty of Management in Tourism and Hospitality in Opatija.
What advice would you give to other students considering participating in events like Best Stay?
I would definitely recommend them to participate, because they can make various contacts that are crucial for their future work.
Furthermore, they can learn a lot from successful managers and entrepreneurs from Croatia and wider.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience or any final thoughts on the importance of student involvement in industry events?
I would just like to thank you for the opportunity to participate in such an event and encourage everyone to participate if they can because they can gain a wonderful and useful experience.