My MBA Became a Passport to Multinational Companies
“If you’re aiming for a multinational, an MBA gives you recognition and a strategic framework. And always think as if you’re writing different versions of your CV - align the MBA with your career ambitions. That’s when it makes sense.”
Looking back on his career, Zoran Mabić clearly identifies one turning point – the decision to pursue an MBA. Interestingly, it wasn’t the result of strategic planning but rather something entirely unexpected.
“I injured my knee and had two hours of free time during rehabilitation to read. That’s when I came across literature about the Executive MBA program, and it caught my interest,” he recalls. At the time, he was already an executive director at a distribution company, but the company’s owners weren’t thrilled with his idea: “For local companies, an MBA isn’t seen as essential; I’d even say it’s minor. But for multinationals – it’s a whole different story.”
An MBA as a Springboard to Multinationals
Zoran openly admits that the MBA didn’t provide him with much additional knowledge in the traditional sense:
“Honestly, I didn’t gain much practical knowledge, apart from a broader perspective on running a company and understanding the relationships between departments. I had already completed a Master of Science degree at the Faculty of Economics. What the MBA gave me was networking – knowing who to call when something goes wrong. That’s incredibly valuable.”
What truly made a difference, however, was how the MBA opened doors to multinational companies. “I’m convinced the MBA played a key role in helping me land a position at Heineken, where I became a board member. Without that diploma, it would have been much harder, especially coming from a local company like I did. In local businesses, an MBA doesn’t carry much weight, but for a multinational, it’s a game-changer. They value the broader perspective, the added experience of working in international environments, and the global education it represents.”
Motivation and Goal: General Manager
Zoran saw the MBA as a stepping stone to becoming a general manager, an opportunity to gain an overview of all departments and understand the bigger picture of business operations. “That’s what motivated me to enroll, I wanted a school that would prepare me for a GM role because I knew that’s where I wanted to go.”
Challenges and Sacrifices
The path to earning his diploma wasn’t easy. Due to an agreement with his employer, Zoran couldn’t take time off work.“For two years, I didn’t have a proper vacation. I used my vacation days to cover the weekdays I attended the MBA. From Thursday to Sunday, I was at COTRUGLI, and the rest of the week was dedicated to work. On top of that, my wife was pregnant and gave birth during my MBA. I’m grateful for her support during that time.”
The Greatest Values: People and Experience
When looking back on his MBA experience, two professors stand out in his memory – Esteban Brenes and Mike George. “Brenes said something that stuck with me: An MBA can be either the best or the worst decision. If you start too young, without experience, you become overconfident and hit a wall. But if you come at the right time, it truly helps. That was my case.”
Even after completing the program, his fondest memories are tied to the people he met: “It’s not the lectures you remember most, but the social interactions. To this day, my MBA group meets at least once a year. That’s been going on for 16 years.”
Advice for Those Considering an MBA
Finally, what advice would he give to someone considering an MBA today? “I’d say there’s no generic answer. It all depends on your aspirations. If you’re aiming for a multinational, an MBA gives you recognition and a strategic framework. And always think as if you’re writing different versions of your CV – align the MBA with your career ambitions. That’s when it makes sense.”