Valentina Nuli

Please introduce yourself to us in a few sentences.

My name is Valentina Nuli, I am 24 years old and I am a second year graduate student in Business Economics, majoring in Management. I come from Lovrečani, a small place near the city of Varaždin. I am defined by self-confidence, enthusiasm, fighting spirit, creativity and readiness to accept all the opportunities that are offered to me. Cycling, hiking, tennis, hanging out with family and friends, attending various educations, are just some of the leisure activities.

You only have a thesis left until you finish your studies at EFRI. How would you describe your student life? Would you change anything?

I would describe my student life as a wonderful adventure in which I encountered ups and downs, and it resulted in new friendships, personal development and many memories. I wouldn't change anything. EFRI met all my expectations during my studies.

During your studies you were extremely active in many projects. Can you mention some of them?

Food and Community, EFRI buddy, Career Week, EFRI Networking Week, are some of the projects I have participated in. I am also a member of the EFRI Student Union, in which I participated in various activities for the benefit of students and the community. I would especially like to single out the organization of the EFRI Christmas quiz of humanitarian character, which my colleagues and I are extremely proud of because we put smiles on many children of the Down Syndrome Association - Rijeka 21. I am also a member of EFRI Sport where I participate in various events and their implementation (such as EFRI humanitarian trail race, EFRIJADE), presentation of the sports society at the Student Day Festival and participation in the Futsal competition. In addition, I try to help students with learning materials by holding demonstrations from several courses.

"As an EFRI buddy, I felt extremely happy and satisfied because I was able to help freshmen in moments when they had a bunch of questionnaires over their heads.”

What did you learn by participating in these projects and activities?

By participating in them, I developed and upgraded my public speaking, communication, presentation and teamwork skills. I learned how to work successfully with people I first met without knowing anything about them. Also, during the organization of the Christmas quiz, I encountered several administrative obstacles and enriched my knowledge in this area by studying certain rules and articles. With all that, the most beautiful thing I have learned is that the student days are still the most beautiful period in my life where I met the dear people with whom I will be very happy to stay in touch.

As an EFRI buddy, can you tell us what it was like to work with freshmen? What did you learn and what is a situation you might single out that you will always remember working with them and on the project?

Working with freshmen is a challenge. I have to admit, it is quite difficult to come in front of a group of freshmen, encourage them to interact and connect different characters from different parts of Croatia. What I would definitely point out are the words of the freshmen: "Thank you for the easier days of starting my studies.” After such words, I felt extremely happy and satisfied because I managed to help them in moments when they had a bunch of questionnaires over their heads.

You are active in the EFRI Sports Association. Can you tell us more about your role in it and the EFRIJADE that is being prepared on May 29?

My current role in the EFRI Sport Association is the organization of the first EFRIjada, which in addition to the sports work also includes a social and entertainment part, and will be held on Saturday - May 29, 2021. The event itself seeks to encourage students to network and socialize through sports activities, which would raise awareness of the importance of playing sports and staying outdoors. In addition to the above, students have opportunity to meet students of different ages, different characters and thoughts, which can result in new friendships, ideas. It also includes socially excluded students and vulnerable groups in order to achieve a sense of acceptance and social inclusion. Of course, I hereby invite everyone to apply and be part of the first EFRIjada.

"By organizing the first EFRIjada, we want to encourage students to network and socialize through sports activities and also work on raising awareness of the importance of playing sports and staying outdoors.”

What are your plans for the next year or two?

Uh, it is hard for me to answer that, considering that I often change my plans depending on the opportunities, but some framework plan is to defend my dissertation soon, find a job that I will work with enthusiasm, travel and work on personal and professional development in parallel.

In what area and company would you like to build your career?

 The area in which I see myself the most is the organization and management of human resources. I love working with others, creating a team atmosphere and being their leader and role model. Of course, I am ready to accept other opportunities that will be given to me, because maybe for me it is exactly what I thought it was not.

A message for colleagues?

Have the confidence and courage to open all the doors that life puts in front of you. From every challenge, create an opportunity for your happiness and success.