By Belma Sokolović
On April 19th, 2018, Eta Sigma Delta Honorary
Society organized the society’s first Round Table on the topic of
"International Skills Development: The Triad of Students-Higher
Education-Hospitality Companies” which took place at the Bellevue hotel in
Dubrovnik. The aim of the Round Table was to discuss the interconnection
between the competence, knowledge, attitude and skills needed for the success
in global hospitality area. The reason behind this was familiarization of
students with the importance of education in skills development necessary for
the success in various fields of Hospitality and Service industry. The Round
Table was students-driven with assistance of RIT Croatia professors who
provided practical guidance and advice on how to conduct a successful event.
This was beneficial to Hospitality and Service management students, as they
could get a good first hand insight into event management and learn from the
industry experts.
Eta Sigma Delta and RIT Croatia had a pleasure of hosting
Professor Maximillian Schachner from the FH Krems (University of Applied
Sciences, Austria) as the key note speaker of the Round Table. Professor
Schachner also delivered a lecture at our Dubrovnik campus on the topic of
"International Marketing: Case of Austria”.
Other distinguished panelists were Ms. Sanela Omerčahić
(General Manager of Hotel Bellevue), Mr. Nikola Avram (MK Mountain Resort,
Kopaonik) and Dr. Irena Guszak Cerovečki (Associate Dean, RIT Croatia, Zagreb
Campus). Both Ms. Omerčahić and Mr. Avram are graduates of RIT Croatia who are
now successful business professionals in the hotel industry. They provided
students with an insight on which skills and competencies are valued when
applying for specific job positions. Ms. Omerčahić and Mr. Avram agreed that
the most important would be the positive, driven attitude and ability to adapt
to various environments. Our Associate Dean from Zagreb campus, Dr. Guszak
Cerovečki stressed the importance of going through the education process that
is necessary in acquiring the necessary knowledge that will enhance the
practical skills acquired at work.
Eta Sigma Delta E-board wanted students to learn more about
the skills that employees seek for in their future employees which is why they
chose General Managers from renowned hotels. On the other hand, they believed
it would be of a great importance for their colleagues to know how the
education processes influences the development of such skills that are acquired
only at work or that are purely personality-based. "As the President of Eta
Sigma Delta I believe that the Round Table largely contributed to understanding
the paths of our future careers as the students had the opportunity to hear
from experts what the key elements for successful job performance are.
Knowledge, experience, skills and willingness to learn something new positive
attitude towards job create the perfect formula for success in a career. Theory
is good, but practical skills are the ones to acquire.” claimed Josipa Buble,
President of Eta Sigma Delta.
The students worked hard throughout the semester by
organizing meetings to find the ideal venue, craft invitations and choose the
relevant industry representatives. Thanks to our alumna and General Manager of
Bellevue Hotel, Ms. Omerčahić, the event was conducted on the premises of this
newly renovated Adriatic Luxury Hotel. "We are very thankful for the
opportunity to conduct the event at such hotel as Bellevue. We really put our
utmost efforts in creating something that will be useful and interesting to
students. The purpose of the panel was not only to listen to the presentation,
but also connect with our graduates. It is of a great honor that we had
successful professionals speaking from their own experience as the RIT Croatia
alumni and dedicated employees of Hospitality and Service industry.” stated
Belma Sokolović, Vice president of Eta Sigma Delta.
On this occasion, after two semesters of successful work,
ESD Chapter Advisor Milena Kužnin, HSM Area Head Besim Agušaj and Josipa Buble,
President of ESD, awarded the recently inducted 10 members with official
certificates, pins and cords that symbolize Eta Sigma Delta Honorary Society:
(Eta Sigma Delta E-board)
Belma Sokolović (Vice President
of ESD Honorary Society)
Jelena Ćenan (ESD Secretary)
Niko Katušić (Marketing Director)
(Members)
Ana Marija Trojić
Antonela Topić
Jelena Baričević
Mariela Kralj
Jovana Ivanović
Milica Markoč
Petra Knežević
An idea of being a student member of an Honorary Society
such as Eta Sigma Delta was created around a wish to recognize the excellence
of outstanding scholars in the Hospitality industry. This is not something that
is widely popular in the region of Croatia which is why there are many
questions in regards to what its purpose actually is and what it means to be an
ESD member.
"Eta Sigma Delta Honorary Society invites hospitality
students to step out of the mediocrity and carry the light of becoming creative
leaders who are service oriented with high moral and ethical drives. ESD
members do represent that excellence in hospitality education at RIT Croatia’s
Dubrovnik campus by being in the top 20 percent of the undergraduate students’
body. The society is student run with the assistance of the advisor who
enhances their learning experience and guides the process of becoming servant leaders
of the future. The ESD e-board members took upon themselves a tough task to
organize the first ever Round Table Panel and in a humble yet confident way
achieved success. The Panel was a joint effort between students, faculty and
industry representatives and as such can serve as a model for similar future
events. It is without any doubt that the ESD society will continue to add value
to the educational experience and build upon what RIT Croatia recognized two
years ago as a need – to enhance the image of hospitality career.”, explains
prof. Milena Kužnin, Eta Sigma Delta Chapter Advisor.
Eta Sigma Delta recognizes the value of knowledge and
education by recognizing and praising students’ hard work and commitment to
Hospitality industry. It motivates the students to always go beyond expected
and achieve various professional and personal goals.
We would like to congratulate and thank our students for the
organization of the successful First Round Table and we are looking forward to
more of them in the future.