A diploma is not just a piece of paper, but proof of acquired competencies

• Our students apply their knowledge from day one through concrete projects and practical tasks.

• We integrate collaboration with companies, business situation simulations, and real market problem-solving into our curriculum to ensure that graduates are ready to enter the business world immediately.

Do employers today value an entrepreneurial mindset more than a degree? Do high school students question the relevance of studying? How important is a diploma in today’s job market, and can we succeed without one? These are just some of the questions that journalist Roko Uvodić from Srednja.hr asked Željka Zavišić, Ph.D., Dean of EFFECTUS College.

“I understand the desire for quick success,” said the Dean, adding that we live in an era where stories of young entrepreneurs who have “made it on their own” are everywhere. However, she pointed out that such narratives often skip key details—how many failures preceded success, who were the mentors behind the scenes, and how much knowledge was truly necessary.

She emphasized that studying is not just about accumulating theoretical knowledge but also about providing structure, developing analytical thinking, and preparing young people for real business challenges. “A diploma is not just a piece of paper but proof of acquired competencies, which gives a long-term advantage in the job market. A great example of this is our part-time students who already have successful businesses but realized that they still need a degree and additional knowledge to manage their ventures more effectively,” said Dean Zavišić.

“Higher education offers verified knowledge, expert guidance, and interactive learning—things you can’t get from watching short videos. It also provides a personalized approach, where professors and mentors help students develop their unique skills and guide them toward their goals,” concluded Dean Zavišić.

Read the full interview here: https://www.srednja.hr/ideja-godine/koliko-je-diploma-danas-bitna-mozemo-li-uspjeti-i-bez-nje-dekanica-podijelila-svoje-misljenje/