With the LJUBLJANA MBA behind you, has the journey been worth it?

Definitely. The MBA has been one of the most intense but rewarding experiences of my life. Juggling it alongside finishing a PhD wasn’t easy, there were plenty of long nights and moments where I wondered how I’d manage. But it was absolutely worth it and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally.

The real value for me came from the people and the perspectives. I had the chance to work closely with business owners, directors, and professionals from such a wide range of industries. Learning from their experiences and exchanging ideas - whether during lectures, projects, or over drinks after class—was eye-opening and often challenged how I think.

The program also pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. Switching between scientific research and business thinking helped me develop a much more strategic mindset, and I feel more confident navigating both worlds now. Of course, I’ll miss the structured learning, but more than anything, I’ll miss the people, the teamwork, the late-night brainstorming, the debates, and the friendships we built along the way.

What was your LJUBLJANA MBA highlight?

It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d say the Building Leadership Capacity module in Kranjska Gora really stood out. Being surrounded by nature and the mountains added a unique dimension to the experience—it was the perfect setting to step away from everyday distractions and reflect more deeply. Getting out of the classroom and focusing on leadership from a personal, introspective angle made a lasting impression. It helped me understand what kind of leader I want to be, not just in theory, but in practice.

Academically, I particularly enjoyed Corporate finance, Managerial economics, and other strategic subjects that pushed me to think differently. The hands-on nature of project work, collaborating with amazing teams, and applying theory to real-world challenges made learning both exciting and practical. It was in these moments - solving business cases, debating strategies, and tackling complex problems together—that I realized how much I was growing, not just professionally but also personally.

And then there was the final trip to Dublin. Visiting Google HQ and participating in a leadership workshop with Irish MBA students at DCU was such a fitting way to wrap up the experience. It brought together everything the MBA stood for: learning, international collaboration, and thinking big.

What will be your professional and personal path after graduating from LJUBLJANA MBA?

I’m keeping an open mind, but I’m especially drawn to the intersection of science, innovation, and real-world impact. With a background in Pharmacy and a PhD in Biomedicine, I see myself stepping into the pharmaceutical or biotech industry—or possibly launching something of my own. What drives me is the challenge of translating research into tangible solutions and making sure innovation doesn’t stay in the lab, but actually reaches patients. At the same time, I want to continue contributing to innovative European projects and working at the interface of academia and industry. I believe there’s enormous potential in building stronger bridges between those worlds and ensuring that groundbreaking discoveries translate into real benefits for society. I can say that the LJUBLJANA MBA equipped me with a strategic mindset, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of how to bridge the gap between science and business, all of which I intend to apply in my future endeavors.

Personally, I’m taking some time to reflect and reset after this intense period. But no matter which direction I take next, I want it to be one where I can lead projects that matter, stay connected to science, and ultimately make a positive impact - creating innovative healthcare solutions that not only advance the field but truly transform patients’ lives for the better.