Ivan Brezić
Study Program: Computer Science
Graduation Year: 2020

“My journey began in the fall of 2017 when I enrolled in the Computer Science program at the Polytechnic of Bjelovar. At the end of my first semester, I encountered programming for the first time, sparking a passion that quickly bore fruit. By the end of my first year, colleagues Dominik Ernjak, Robert Hunjet, and I created the ‘Model and Reference Number Verification’ project in the Introduction to the C Programming Language course. This project earned us an opportunity to work as student employees at Erste Bank.

As a first-year student, I never imagined I would get a job in my field so early. That role shaped me into the programmer and person I am today. It also greatly supported my studies, as the work paralleled the material we were learning at the Polytechnic. I have immense gratitude for my mentors and colleagues at Erste Bank for their support and prioritization of education.

During the first three months, we worked on an independent project that assessed our skills and successfully secured us scholarships from Erste Bank. These scholarships provided financial support and employment opportunities after graduation.

The Polytechnic of Bjelovar also enabled me to participate in the Erasmus+ program, where I completed an internship at Axess AG, an Austrian IT company headquartered in Salzburg. This exchange was a great opportunity to learn and grow. Thanks to my skills, projects, and determination, I earned a spot at Axess and spent three months immersed in the Erasmus+ program. The experience was transformative, encompassing work at a foreign IT company, English-language meetings, travel, and exposure to new programming perspectives.

Notably, my now-fiancée, Simona Starčević, joined me on the exchange, making Erasmus+ not only a professional but also a personal milestone in my life.

After returning from Austria, I began my final year of studies. Balancing my thesis with work commitments at Erste Bank was a challenge, but Erste supported my endeavors, viewing my Austrian experience as an asset. Since then, I’ve taken on more significant projects, such as ‘George,’ where I currently work as a programmer in Erste Bank’s IT department.

I have only positive things to say about the Polytechnic of Bjelovar. It provides a solid foundation of knowledge while consistently opening doors for growth and opportunities. With dedication and determination, any dream is achievable, as mine has been.”