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FBA Event Week: Competencies, Ethical Finance, and Entrepreneurship

The IUS Faculty of Business and Administration (FBA) organized a series of events last week, offering students valuable insights into career development, entrepreneurship, and ethical finance. Workshops and lectures explored key topics, connecting students with industry experts to enhance their academic, professional and personal growth.

The week began on Monday, December 9, with two engaging sessions. The first was a workshop titled "Your Competencies: The Key to Your Competitiveness on the Labor Market," organized by Asst. Prof. Dr. Azra Bičo and delivered by IUS alumna Ms. Zejneb Sherbi. This interactive session helped third- and fourth-year students understand the critical role of competencies - knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors - in career readiness. Students discussed the impact of attitude on career decisions and professional success, emphasizing lifelong learning and adaptability. The session encouraged reflection on personal strengths and career aspirations in a motivational and collaborative environment.

Later that day, Mr. Michael Gassner, Head of Islamic Finance at a Swiss private bank and Shariah Board member at Bosna Bank International, delivered a lecture titled "Personal Finance Through the Lens of Islamic Values." Hosted by Asst. Prof. Dr. Admir Mešković as part of the Islamic Economics course, Gassner introduced key principles of Islamic finance, such as debt management, the prohibition of interest (riba), and ethical wealth usage. He also addressed contemporary challenges, including debt inequality and financial bubbles, while providing practical advice on financial planning and ethical investing. A lively Q&A session followed, allowing students and faculty to discuss aligning financial decisions with Islamic values.

On Wednesday, December 11, Mr. Zoran Puljić, Director of the Mozaik Foundation, delivered an inspiring lecture on "How Venture Capital Drives Entrepreneurial Success." Hosted by Dr. Mešković as part of the Financial Literacy course, Puljić shared insights on the structure and lifecycle of venture capital funds, types of investors, and the transformative role of venture capital in supporting startups. He highlighted the importance of bridging the skills gap in the labor market and fostering a better investment climate in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The lecture provided students with a deeper understanding of the dynamics of venture capital and their potential for entrepreneurial growth.

This series of multidisciplinary events encouraged students to envision their paths after graduation, explore available opportunities, and consider how to apply their knowledge to improve their personal lives.