EFRI Buddy – Call for a New Generation Now Open!

EFRI Career Center continues with the project "EFRI Buddy" – a mentorship program where senior students support junior students.

Starting university is a big transition for first-year students. Senior students possess valuable experience and knowledge, making them essential support for their peers who are just beginning their studies. To help freshmen adjust during the 2025/2026 academic year, students of the Faculty of Economics and Business in Rijeka are invited to join the project by April 30, 2025, and support the new generation in their first months of student life.

The responsibilities of an EFRI Buddy include organizing monthly meetings with their group of freshmen during the winter semester (if needed), where they will inform them about current topics related to studying and student life. The first meeting with the freshmen will take place during the first week of October 2025, as part of Freshmen Week.

Students who apply to participate in the project will receive all the necessary information during the "EFRI for Freshmen" training, which will prepare them for the project implementation. During the workshop, Buddies will be trained to answer freshmen's questions and will learn more about important concepts freshmen encounter for the first time, EFRI opportunities, getting around the Faculty (student services, international mobility office, etc.), and more.

Additionally, all selected Buddies are required to attend a presentation skills workshop after the introductory meeting. This will help them gain professional skills and be better prepared for potential questions from freshmen.

Buddies will also take part in the organization of Freshmen Week, during which they will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired during their studies and workshops.

During and after the project, Buddies will:

• have the opportunity to develop their organizational, presentation, and communication skills through the "EFRI for Freshmen" training

• receive volunteer hours

• receive an official certificate of participation from the Faculty of Economics and Business in Rijeka

Buddy selection criteria:

• a student who will not be participating in a study/practical exchange abroad (ERASMUS+, CEEPUS, etc.) during the first (winter) semester of the 2025/2026 academic year

• mandatory attendance of the "EFRI for Freshmen" training and workshops on presentation skills and event organization after being selected as an EFRI Buddy

• knowledge of English

Additional (optional) criteria:

• active membership in a student association

• practical experience gained through student jobs, projects, competitions, etc.

To apply, you must:

• complete the online application form available HERE

• submit a motivation letter

Application deadline: April 30, 2025, at 12:00 (noon).

NOTE: The EFRI Career Center reserves the right to conduct an informal interview with applicants before making the final decision on their participation in the project.

Trainings (online and onsite) for the new generation of EFRI Buddies will be held in May and September 2025, based on prior arrangements with participants.

For more information or any further questions, contact us via email, phone, or in person at the Career Center (Aneks building):
Dorjana Dodić Tomljanović, MBA (dorjana.dodic.tomljanovic@efri.uniri.hr; 051/355-187)