Published: 19.7.2023.
The article was edited and published by Andrea Božić
During the summer months, Zagrebačke otpadne vode (ZOV) has been opening its doors for students on internships. This year, several students joined us on the plant. One of them is 19-year-old Fran Kovač, an economics student from Mannheim. After the completion of II. grammar school in Zagreb, Fran decided to continue his education in Germany. He passed the first year of economics at the state college and was ready for practice in the real sector. - The very first day at ZOV proved me that this is a really impressive device that is important for a good eco image of every city. I am happy that I will have the opportunity to do an internship in Croatia and learn all the business segments of an corporation - Fran told us at the beginning of his arrival at Žitnjak. We were curious and sat down for a short conversation with this nice student to hear his impressions after completing a two-week internship and before he is going on a well-deserved vacation and returning to Germany for further education.
ZOV: During these two weeks, you showed great enthusiasm and curiosity in all segments of our business. Could you work in a corporation like Zagrebačke otpadne vode?
Fran K.: I really felt comfortable during the days spent at ZOV. It was a positive experience that I will always remember. I think I could do well in a corporation like yours in the future. As a student of economics, the subject is familiar and related to me, but also interesting. As for the departments themselves, it is clear that the closest to me are those related to bookkeeping and finance. But in the real sector there are of course a lot more figures and analytics.
ZOV: Did the internship at ZOV meet your expectations?
Fran K.: Of course it is! One of the goals of why I came here for the internship is to further clarify what I would like to do in the future and where I see myself after graduating from college. After doing my internship at ZOV, I can say that I liked what I learned and saw, and that I would definitely like to go deeper into all segments of the economy. I would not reject the possibility of returning to Croatia and finding a job in my own country.
ZOV: Do you think it was a good decision that you came to the German-Croatian corporation?
Fran K: I didn't choose it on purpose. That's how things worked out because I'm familiar with the German education and work system as well as with ours. Therefore, I think that the decision was good. Next year, I might choose a Croatian company. I would like to go through everything, then make some final judgment about where I see myself.
ZOV: You said that finance and bookkeeping are close to you considering the faculty. But are these the sectors that were the most intriguing to you, not to mention the most fun at ZOV?
Fran K: First of all, I have to say that the employees in all sectors made an effort to make it interesting for me and to learn something from their business. But I will also admit that my time in the PR sector and in your accredited laboratory was somehow the most challenging. I also met other students who would later like to do chemistry and this company is also great for their practice.
ZOV: At the end of the internship, students usually submit a report. What were your expectations and what new knowledge did you acquire?
Fran K: The internship was well designed and conceived for a future economist. I started from the general picture of the ZOV company, through the PR sector, then I went through labs, occupational safety, GDPR, HR, finance, bookkeeping, IT, talked with the directors and got a full picture of the corporation. Expectations were met, and I received much more information and knowledge than I thought it would be possible in two weeks.
ZOV: It is certainly still too early for any idea about the future. But at least reveal to us some of your thoughts for the years to come after school?
Fran K.: It's really too early to think about it. But as things stand now, I would like to return to Croatia after his education.
It was this internship at ZOV that showed me that good work is being done in Croatia as well. That's why I have no need or desire to stay in Germany. Besides everything, family and friends are here, and that is also a very important segment.
ZOV: Have you heard of the German-Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Economy - AHK, and are you thinking of looking for an internship there in the future?
Fran K: Great idea! Yes, I have heard about AHK and their activities. I know that they are very active and I hope that I will be able to do an internship there.
Written and photographed by Astrid Werbolle
