“You always come to work first. If you work in a large company, your name will only be remembered after a long period of time, but when you arrive first trust me that everyone will notice.”

EduEvo: At the very beginning, can you please present yourself and tell us more about you as a person.

Mr. Aljoša Aleksić: Hi EduEvo. My name is Aljoša Aleksić and I have been working in Galens doo, a construction company for 5 years.

EduEvo: How did you start your career?

Mr. Aljoša Aleksić: My engagement in a construction company started quite by accident because I wanted to change something in my everyday life. During my studies in industrial engineering, there was a lot of talk about the construction industry, worker productivity, tools to increase productivity and similar things that in a way motivated me to embark on a new challenge. I thought that developing new skills would improve me as a professional, and also as a person. I had nothing to lose and I had no argument not to start a new chapter in my life. And so I began my journey in construction, which I immediately liked and which I chose to be my path in further developing my career and field of expertise.

EduEvo: In what way did this company help you achieve the success you have now?

Mr. Aljoša Aleksić: The biggest advantage of working in a private company is that the worker is measured by performance and only by performance. When you realize that everything depends exclusively on yourself, further development is much easier because you can dedicate all your attention to professional development and training. Also, the relationship with the superiors was at a great level, full of mentoring conversations as well as guidelines for development and training.

EduEvo: What education means to you? Is it important for you?

Mr. Aljoša Aleksić: At first, my formal education had nothing to do with the work I was doing. I often questioned myself whether I needed education for this job, because I thought I was doing well. I never dreamed that I would use my formal knowledge in the moments that were crucial when making important decisions and negotiations. The analytical way of thinking, perceiving all the details, and not just the prices of the products, led me to unconsciously use all the tools that I studied at the faculty. As I gained more and more experience, I decided to complete my academic career by enrolling in doctoral studies in Industrial Engineering. If you do not have ambitions for some of the managerial positions in the company, you do not need formal education, but still if you are motivated for something more without formal education, you will always be one who does not have a university degree and does not have analytical way of thinking, that the faculty definitely teaches students.

EduEvo: What are your plans for the future?

Mr. Aljoša Aleksić: Definitely to complete my PhD studies.

EduEvo: What kind of advice would you give the youngsters being at the very beginning of their professional career?

Mr. Aljoša Aleksić: My advice for everyone who is moving into the world of corporate business is not to be ashamed of any work task. In addition to fulfil work obligations, there are a few other tips that I consider to be a very important part of my career success and advancement.

You always come to work first. If you work in a large company, your name will only be remembered after a long period of time, but when you arrive first trust me that everyone will notice.

Never allow yourself to be most casually dressed in the office or in meetings. If you can’t be at the top, try to be at least in the middle. Of course, this depends on the type of industry you are in, but if we are talking about corporate affairs, the style and way of dressing is of absolute importance. Why does this matter? The first impression cannot be made twice. Also, the suit obliges you to certain manners and ways of behaviour.