Successful Career Day at UP FTŠ Turistica: Key Steps for the Future of Tourism

Monday, March 25 - The Student Council of the Portorož Faculty of Tourism Studies - Turistica successfully organized the Career Day at UP FTŠ Turistica aimed at networking students with employers at both regional and broader levels.

The Career Day was held with the intention of networking students with potential employers for internships, volunteering, and student jobs. The event began with the opening of a round table discussion on the topic of employment in tourism, which then transitioned into an open debate. The round table included representatives from the industry and experts: Fedja Pobegajlo, Director of the Slovenian Tourist and Catering Chamber, Dominik S. Černjak, President of the Slovenian Tourist Association, Iris Skrt, Head of the Career Center at UP, Karmen Krumpestar, Director of Red Orbit, Kaja Batagelj, Head of Legal Services at Postojna Cave, and Alen Milošević, Executive Director of St. Bernardin, Sava Tourism.

Career Day was held with the intention of connecting students with potential employers for internships, volunteering, and student jobs. The event began with the opening of a round table discussion on the topic of employment in tourism, which then transitioned into an open debate. The round table included representatives from the industry and experts: Fedja Pobegajlo, Director of the Slovenian Tourist and Catering Chamber, Dominik S. Černjak, President of the Slovenian Tourist Association, Iris Skrt, Head of the Career Center at UP, Karmen Krumpestar, Director of Red Orbit, Kaja Batagelj, Head of Legal Services at Postojna Cave, and Alen Milošević, Executive Director of St. Bernardin, Sava Tourism. 

It was noted that human resources are a bottleneck for further development in tourism, and their skills and innovation are crucial for achieving higher quality services and added value in all areas of activity. The industry has faced challenges such as below-average wages, demanding working conditions, and the seasonal nature of work, leading to a drain of talent to other industries and abroad. Additionally, enrollment of students in hospitality and tourism education has stagnated, while the competencies of graduates and employees have not kept pace with the expected increase in service quality and modern trends. Participants agreed that the situation is gradually improving post-Covid-19 pandemic. Employers are actively working to improve working conditions by increasing average wages in the industry, providing bonuses, and showing greater concern for employees. Even smaller hospitality businesses are adjusting schedules to better meet the needs of their workers and their families.

Following the roundtable discussion, Career Day transitioned to the foyer of the faculty, where numerous representatives of employers engaged in discussions with students and presented the workings of their respective companies. Students demonstrated significant interest and enthusiasm as they circulated among the booths.

Tjaša Hajnžič, president of the Student Council of UP FTŠ Turistica, which organized the event, emphasized that Turistica offers an excellent network of contacts from the industry that needs to be utilized. "Students need to activate themselves and network as much as possible during their studies to create their own future. The idea of Career Day stemmed from our own desire to meet key players in tourism and the need to seek new opportunities. We would like the Career Day at Turistica to become a tradition, held every year," she added.