• The labor market is changing faster than ever
• Practical experience builds confidence and skills
• Financial literacy is not a privilege reserved for entrepreneurs
• Resilience and perseverance are the keys to success
• Entrepreneurship begins with small steps – It is better to test an idea on a small scale than wait for the “perfect moment.”

The modern labor market is changing faster than ever before – which is precisely why young people need to develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication competencies, and digital literacy. This was emphasized by the Dean of Effectus University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Jelena Uzelac, in an interview for the portal srednja.hr. She highlighted that these skills are essential for navigating a world in which new technologies, artificial intelligence, and automation are constantly transforming the way we work and creating entirely new professions. Such competencies, she notes, enable young people to adapt more easily to change and actively shape their own professional paths.

The Dean points out that in such an environment it is equally important to know how to learn, analyze, and adapt as it is to acquire specific knowledge. Many jobs that exist today did not even exist ten years ago, while entirely new professions have emerged, for example in fields such as social media management, data analysis, and cybersecurity.

She particularly emphasizes the importance of connecting theory and practice in education. Participation in projects, competitions, and initiatives allows young people to turn ideas into concrete solutions while developing independence, teamwork, and organizational skills. Working on real tasks, Uzelac says, gives students insight into how an idea moves from concept to realization, as well as how to deal with challenges and unexpected situations.

Another topic that is receiving increasing attention is financial literacy. According to the Dean, it is not only important for entrepreneurs but for anyone who makes financial decisions throughout their life – from managing a personal budget to understanding loans, savings, or investments. Understanding concepts such as interest rates or inflation, she notes, helps citizens make informed decisions and protects them from long-term financial mistakes.

In the interview, she also stressed the importance of resilience – a skill that is often not formally assessed in schools but has a major impact on success in real life. Mistakes and failures, she believes, are an integral part of the learning process, and the ability to learn from them and move forward is one of the most valuable competencies young people can develop.

The Dean also highlighted that entrepreneurship does not necessarily begin with large amounts of capital. Knowledge, a network of contacts, reputation, and the willingness to test ideas through smaller projects or prototypes are far more important. Instead of waiting for the “perfect opportunity,” she advises young people to start testing their ideas on a smaller scale, talk to potential users, and gradually develop solutions.

Announcement: Idea of the Year 2026

The development of an entrepreneurial mindset among young people is also encouraged by the student business competition Idea of the Year 2026, organized by the portal srednja.hr.

The competition brings together high school students who develop their own business ideas and create business plans. The ten best teams get the opportunity to present their projects to an expert jury in the final round. The winning team will receive a study trip in Europe.

EFFECTUS University of Applied Sciences is once again the gold partner of the project this year, actively supporting the development of entrepreneurial thinking and financial literacy among young people.

The first deadline for submitting business plans was open until March 15 at 23:59, allowing students to receive feedback and improve their submissions. The final application deadline is April 5 at 23:59.

The competition represents an opportunity for all high school students who want to develop their ideas, gain experience working on real projects, and take their first steps into the world of entrepreneurship.