What did you enjoy most about studying Economics at university?
I enjoy the mindset studying Economics gives you. Many will, of course, mention how you start to view money and global economies differently, but you also learn how to approach problems using both a mathematical and conceptual mindset. Having the ability to combine both in working life has helped me massively. Sports Economics was naturally my favourite module. I explored the diminishing effect of home-field advantage in the NFL, which allowed me to combine my passion for sports with academic research and analysis.
You were involved in a wide range of sports, from American football to Spikeball and mixed martial arts. What drew you to such a diverse set of activities, and which did you enjoy the most?
Growing up, I was always an all-rounder in sports, competing in football, tennis, and rugby. University gave me the perfect opportunity to try something new, which is why I took up American football. Like many of my teammates, I was new to the sport, but the team’s inclusivity—welcoming players of all backgrounds (and shapes and sizes!)—made it a truly unique and enjoyable experience. In my final season, we went unbeaten, securing a third Championship Ring, and I captained the team to Division One promotion, earning a spot in the Hall of Fame.
In my final year, I also co-founded Spikeball Society with my housemates as a break from revision. It grew to over 30 members, many of them international students we wouldn’t have met otherwise, which made the project even more rewarding.
How did your year in industry at Enterprise Rent-a-Car enhance your understanding of professional environments and workplace dynamics?
While working for a car rental company may not seem glamorous at first, it was one of the most valuable and eye-opening years of my life. I quickly learned how to sell effectively, driven by my goal to fund my summer travels to Asia. After being promoted to management assistant, I took on significant responsibility, managing the logistics for 250+ vehicles across our branch and Mercedes-Benz Chelsea. Looking back, the skills, friendships, and confidence I gained (not to mention all the nice cars I drove along the way!) made my placement year an unforgettable experience—one I would highly recommend to any undergraduate.
Looking back, how did this experience prepare you for transitioning from university to full-time work?
Placement years give you a lot more confidence in a business setting. You acquire skills and experiences that I describe as ‘ammunition’ to enhance your CV and draw upon in job interviews. In today’s competitive job market, experience is more important than ever, and I would highly recommend placement years to help you differentiate yourself from other graduates. It also serves as a great way to break up your university experience.
Reflecting on your time at FK Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade FC), what did you enjoy most about working in sports management and project coordination?
Working in Serbia, let alone for a Champions League-winning football club, was a lesson in itself. Adjusting to a different culture and mentality, while constantly operating in my second language, was tough at times, but I enjoyed the challenge. I soon became the main Club Liaison for the Champions League, managing all organisational matters. My role involved player relocations, visas, match logistics, marketing, and even player scouting. However, my personal highlight was meeting the entire Manchester City team and receiving a signed Haaland shirt for organising their stay in Belgrade - not many graduates can say that!
In your current role at the British-Serbian Chamber of Commerce, what is a typical day in the life like?
Working for a chamber of commerce is all about networking and facilitating conversations that strengthen trade between nations. As a British-Serbian national, this role is a great fit for me because I am passionate about supporting the growth and success of both countries. So far, I have had the opportunity to organise a major event, the UK-Western Balkan Commercial Conference, and assist with B2B meetings. The event was attended by members of the House of Lords and the President of Serbia—providing me with quite a bit of responsibility!
Your roles have involved working with a variety of stakeholders across industries and countries. How has your university experience, particularly your placement and extracurricular activities, helped you build and maintain professional relationships?
Once again, it all boils down to confidence. What you learn in your lectures is valuable, but university offers so much more—opportunities beyond studying and nightlife. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Skint Tuesdays and AU nights out as much as the next person, but by joining societies, playing sports, volunteering, and putting yourself out there, you not only grow as an individual but also build lasting friendships and professional contacts that can be incredibly valuable later on in your career.
Where do you see your career heading in the next five years? Are there specific industries, roles, or goals you are passionate about pursuing?
I aim to treat my 20s as a period for learning, networking, travelling, and gaining as much experience as possible. This is because I plan to start my own sports agency down the line, where I aim to represent Serbian and Eastern European athletes who haven’t had the same opportunities in life as me. To do so, I need experience and contacts—after all, as they say, ‘your network is your net worth.’
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates looking to break into similar industries?
Don’t be discouraged by rejections when applying for jobs, and don’t compare your progress to that of others - everyone is on their own timeline.
As for the sports industry, it is highly competitive. I gained valuable experience at university through roles in committees, societies, and part-time jobs (like at LFC), which I was able to draw upon in interviews. I also took a more traditional approach by dropping off my CV in person, which helped me stand out.
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