The award for Student of the Year 2020 of the Economist – Commercial Specialist module programme was received in the academic year by Andrej Ferk, who completed the obligations of the short-cycle degree programme Economist – Commercial Specialist module of the 2018-2020 generation most successfully and most quickly.
What does the title Economist Commercial Specialist Student of the Year 2020 mean to you?
"Upon enrolment I truly did not expect such a result, but the title is an indicator of successful study, as my focus was to successfully complete all exams in the first attempts. I am pleasantly surprised that I completed my studies with such a high average."
Why did you choose to study at Academia?
"I had been thinking about studying in the field of commerce for a long time. Two acquaintances, for example, were completing their studies at your Academia Institute of Technology the year before my enrolment. I was certainly encouraged to enrol by the fact that, thanks to the MUNERA3 project, which finances studies for employees from European Cohesion funds and funds of the Republic of Slovenia, I could study free of charge. Financially speaking, I had always given priority to other things. My wife and I also decided to study at Academia together, which means double the household cost. Basically, my wife is the main culprit for us deciding to study."
What pleases you most about your studies?
"At the start, at the first lecture, it was quite a shock, as you really do not know what to expect. However, when other subjects started to follow, what I liked most was the connection of theory with practice. Each subject and each material was presented through real and concrete examples from practice. Additionally, for us employees, it is an advantage that we could immediately transfer the material to our work environments. We students also got along excellently as a team, we also connected on social networks outside of our studies.
I really must praise the team at Academia, which, especially during the pandemic, carried out the study process virtually uninterrupted with studying from home."
How does studying at Academia help you with your career and personal development?
"In the company we do have numerous trainings, team buildings, sales trainings, even mystery shoppers who evaluate us. I am of the opinion that every training is welcome. Here too I noticed that with certain subjects I gained breadth that you do not notice in the workplace due to routine. However, I started using a lot of content that I worked on in project assignments using the example of our company during my studies at work. I notice changes both in personal growth and in everyday work."
What work do you do?
"I am employed at the company Avto Triglav, where I deal with the sale and import of passenger vehicles with all the accompanying documentation. I also cooperate with other stakeholders for additional services, such as arranging vehicle leasing and similar."
Why is it important for a good commercial specialist to acquire formal education?
"Primarily when applying for a job or another job, formal education is still required, regardless of previous work experience. I also personally believe that, given my experience and results, I deserve a higher education."
What would you advise future students for successful study?
"Regularly attend meetings and complete ongoing exercises, as this will save you significant time in preparing project assignments and taking exams. I advise young people who have no work experience to find student work in the field of study as soon as possible, so that they will understand how companies are organised and feel the challenges of work and the profession in practice."
Studies are delivered in Slovenian – ask us how to apply.
B1 Slovenian is required; we offer a free preparatory course. The admissions team replies within one working day.
Source: Academia (23. 7. 2020). Fotografije: arhiv Academie.
This English summary was produced automatically from the Slovenian article and is pending editorial review. Slovenska različica
