Student Leader Luka Vrančić: Lessons from Best Stay
Luka Vrančić is a driven and accomplished 4th-year bachelor's student in management of sustainable development at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Opatija. Throughout his academic journey, Luka has demonstrated remarkable leadership skills and a genuine commitment to making a difference.
Currently serving as the President of the Student Council and Vice President of the Eco Council, Luka has actively engaged with his peers to promote sustainable practices and environmental consciousness within the university community. With his exceptional organizational abilities, Luka has successfully managed various highly regarded events and projects in multiple fields.
Luka, could you briefly introduce yourself and share a bit about your academic journey and leadership roles at the Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Opatija?
My name is Luka Vrančić, and I am in my final year, approaching the completion of my Bachelor's degree in Management of Sustainable Development. Throughout my academic journey, I have been involved in nearly every aspect of what my faculty has to offer, from leadership positions to event organization, project writing and implementation, and more.
Currently, I serve as the President of the Student Council at my faculty, Vice President of the Eco Council, Project Lead for the Student Mentor Program, Student Representative for Gender Equality, one of the leading students in the Student Council of the University of Rijeka, and hold a few additional small student representative roles.
How has your role as President of the Student Council and Vice President of the Eco Council evolved over the past year?
Most of the work has remained the same; however, after the Best Stay event, I focused more on connecting and cooperating with other student councils and faculties. I also took it upon myself to rewrite the rulebook to make participation in the Student Council more rewarding for students.
My goal and obligation to improve students' lives have progressed with new generations, as I actively listen to their demands and needs and strive to make them a reality.
Can you share any new initiatives or projects you’ve led within the university community since participating in the Best Stay event?
I adjusted my project regarding connecting and showcasing the biggest firms in hospitality at my faculty and made it even better. It is called Fishbowl and is part of our Career Week event held at the faculty. I also organized, in cooperation with the Law Faculty in Rijeka, a small elite event where we discussed potential legal problems in tourism, especially with the rise of the new workforce.
Something brand new this year was the EUCA initiative, which I was part of using guerrilla marketing. As Croatia's representative for the European Parliament elections in Dubrovnik, I organized students to participate in this project alongside representatives from 17 different countries. The goal was to promote voting within the Gen Z community and amplify the voices of youth in the European Parliament elections.
What were some of the key insights or skills you gained from the Best Stay event that have influenced your approach to leadership and sustainable development?
I think the key insight I gained is that we, as students, are well-respected and can reach new heights with the right leadership. We are surrounded by amazing individuals who cherish and nurture our needs and desire for growth.
Regarding skills, I believe I have expanded my understanding and critical thinking abilities, as well as my compassion and risk assessment. This has made me a more approachable person and a leading example to colleagues and friends.
I used to wonder who would fill my shoes once I left my position, but now I hope that my successors walk their own paths to success.
Can you share an example of how the networking opportunities at the event have benefited you or led to collaborations?
Apart from interacting and supporting one another on social media like LinkedIn, I collaborated on my sporting project, which was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Several of my connections acted as "prize sponsors," supporting the project and marketing it with their services.
In what ways did participation in the panel discussion and program at Best Stay enhance your understanding of sustainable practices in tourism and hospitality?
It gave me insights into new trends and innovations in the industry that can be used more effectively and eco-friendly. It also helped me understand the procedures essential for creating a successful business and how to implement sustainable practices in those contexts.
What are your career aspirations after graduating, and how do you think your experience at Best Stay will help you achieve these goals?
I would like to be a sustainable development intern, focusing on writing reports on sustainable practices and advising national, local, or private companies about possibilities for further development of good practices. One way Best Stay can help me achieve my goals is by providing networking opportunities and promoting sustainable development.
What advice would you give to other students who are considering participating in industry events like Best Stay?
Be ready for the opportunities that are coming. Many of my colleagues didn't realize how much skill it takes to seize an opportunity when it is given to you. So, for future students participating here, I hope you have fun and learn as much as you can, but be on the lookout because the dream entry-level job or the next big opportunity might be presented to you at the Best Stay event.
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 believe my return to this event speaks a lot about how inspiring I find it. Last year, I used the opportunity to highlight the numerous possibilities available at this event.
Sometimes, I feel like I'm repeating myself, but I can't help emphasizing the importance of seizing good opportunities for my fellow peers.
I strongly believe that students should be actively involved in such industries because the wealth of connections, ideas, and knowledge available is invaluable. I hope to see more students participating in this fantastic initiative.