The MBA Gave Me Perspective, Connections, and Recognition for Hard Work
“Education is always valuable, but beyond knowledge, transparency, openness, and directness are crucial. And most importantly - humanity. Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re opportunities to learn. A true leader knows how to recognize that.”
Amid the many challenges of the business world, Dario Ćorić found his edge not by changing jobs but by shifting his perspective on work. His story demonstrates that an MBA is not just an academic program but an experience that transforms how you think and connect with others.
When talking about his MBA experience, Dario Ćorić immediately highlights that enrolling in the program was one of the best personal and professional investments he’s made. Not necessarily because of the title, but because of what followed.
“First and foremost, I’m glad I decided to pursue an MBA. I didn’t have specific expectations in terms of advancing my position, but after completing it, I was genuinely surprised by how much it broadened my knowledge,” Dario recalls.
Networking, he says, was a key element of the experience. “I met so many new people with diverse professional backgrounds. That gave me perspective and an understanding of different approaches to business. In the business world, that means a lot.”
Although the MBA didn’t immediately open new job opportunities, Dario says the investment in knowledge was definitely recognized. “It’s not like I jumped five levels overnight, but people notice when someone invests time and effort. That’s appreciated. I think my current position reflects that recognition – hard work, dedication, and a desire to learn.”
How It All Began
The decision to enroll in an MBA wasn’t random. At one point in his career, Dario felt the need for further education but didn’t want to take the traditional academic route. “I considered pursuing a PhD, but since I was already in the business world, an MBA seemed like a more practical choice. I wanted a program with real-world value and international accreditation,” he explains.
At the time, in 2012, his children were still young, so it was important for him to find a program close to home. “I wanted something high-quality but also close to my family. COTRUGLI was the logical choice. It was AMBA accredited, had excellent recommendations, and top-notch professors. On top of that, I received a scholarship and support from my company, so everything aligned perfectly.”
Balancing everything wasn’t easy, he admits, but having a local program made it more manageable. “Of course, it wasn’t simple; you have to set aside time, and the lectures were intense, but being close to home made a big difference. Compared to an MBA abroad, this was much easier to balance with family life.”
Professors and Memorable Moments
When asked which modules stood out the most, Dario immediately recalls a few names: “Terence Tse comes to mind first. He was from my field and managed to make complex financial topics understandable for everyone. Mike George also left an impression with his personal development module – simple yet highly applicable to both life and work. Professor Kfuri and the leadership modules were excellent. There were so many high-quality lecturers.”
His fondest memories, however, aren’t tied to the lectures but to the people. “Networking. I met amazing people who are still my friends today. Some of my colleagues even became business partners. It often happens that I’m negotiating with someone from a bank and we discover we’re both COTRUGLI alumni. It immediately creates a different dynamic; there’s more understanding and trust. People who’ve gone through that experience respect each other.”
Career Today
Dario still works at the same company, but over the years and through numerous reorganizations, he says it feels like he’s worked for ten different companies. “Currently, I’m in the international part of the company, in a role that involves communication with headquarters, focusing on Treasury and Corporate Finance. These are very responsible functions, and I’m glad the organization trusts me to handle them. I believe the knowledge I gained through the MBA contributed to that.”
Leadership and Lessons Learned Along the Way
For Dario, a true leader isn’t someone who rules from a position of power but someone who inspires through example.
“A successful leader doesn’t start with authority but with action. It’s someone who naturally motivates you to follow them because you see they know where they’re going. Those kinds of people build trust.”
He shares this philosophy with younger colleagues stepping into leadership roles for the first time.
“Education is always valuable. But beyond knowledge, transparency, openness, and directness are crucial. And most importantly – humanity. Mistakes aren’t failures; they’re opportunities to learn. A true leader knows how to recognize that.”
When asked what he would advise those considering an MBA program, Dario responds briefly and decisively:“Go for it.”