«Studying in a country that dedicates so much attention to preserving everything that is valuable, at such a prestigious university like Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and on top of that, studying what you love can anyone wish for more? Speaks is Mirjana Panić, 24 years old and comes from a small village called Gornje Košlje, located in Western Serbia. «At the age of 15, I moved to another city and enrolled in high school. After finishing high school, I moved to Belgrade (the capital of the Republic of Serbia), where I continued my education. In 2019, I enrolled at the Faculty of Agriculture in Belgrade, specializing in food technology. My specific focus is dairy and meat technology. In 2023, I graduated from the same faculty, earning the title of food technology engineer as the best student of my generation. A month later, I enrolled in a Master's program at the same faculty, specializing in Food Engineering. In July 2024, I completed my Master's studies, earning the title of Master’s Engineer of Technology, and just one month earlier, I was accepted into the Master Ferrero program, and now I am here».
What was the main reason you chose the Master Ferrero Programme?
During my Master's studies, I began to think about continuing my doctoral studies outside my country. When I learned about the Master Ferrero program, I realized that my dreams were slowly becoming a reality. Italy is a country of art, culture, and tradition, with beautiful landscapes, and ultimately, my favorite – Italy is a country of food and wine. Studying in a country that dedicates so much attention to preserving everything that is valuable, at such a prestigious university like Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, and on top of that, studying what you love—can anyone wish for more? My childhood was marked by Kinder chocolates that I used to receive for birthdays and holidays, and just the thought that I will have the opportunity to visit the Ferrero company and see the production of these chocolates is an incredible opportunity for me. Even after the first presentation about this program, I knew that Master Ferrero was what I wanted, and I never once considered other options, as this was the only one I truly desired.
As you know, the approach involves teamwork, multitasking, and meeting tight deadlines. What do you think about these aspects? Which ones do you believe will be valuable for your professional career?
I believe that all three aspects are crucial for success in today’s fast-paced and collaborative work environment. Teamwork is of vital importance because it allows for the integration of different skills and perspectives in order to achieve a common goal. Effective teamwork promotes communication, trust, and cooperation, which are essential for fostering innovation and solving problems efficiently. This means that, at any given moment, I can rely on the people I work with, just as they can rely on me. In my professional career, I consider teamwork invaluable because many projects require cross-functional collaboration. Multitasking is also an important aspect, especially when it is necessary to handle multiple responsibilities at the same time. The ability to perform several tasks simultaneously increases productivity and ensures that priorities are managed efficiently. However, I believe that, although multitasking can be useful, it is important to do so in a way that does not compromise the quality of work. Finally, meeting strict deadlines is crucial in almost any professional environment. The ability to complete tasks on time demonstrates strong time management skills, responsibility, and the ability to perform well under pressure. For me, this is particularly important because many industries, such as the food industry, often involve working on projects with deadlines. This is also a perfect opportunity to learn how to work under pressure and remain calm and composed, even in the most challenging situations.
I believe that a true professional is recognized by how they react in times of problems and how they successfully resolve them, maintaining focus and calmness even in the toughest situations.
The Master Programme includes a close connection between university studies and company experience. What is your opinion of this?
This is something I value most about this Master's program. During their studies, students are often mainly focused on theoretical learning, without enough opportunities for direct contact with practice and real business environments. I believe that the close connection between university studies and company experience is crucial for developing practical skills and gaining a deeper understanding of the industry. This approach allows students to apply the knowledge they’ve gained in real situations, which is very important for their professional development. It also enables them to experience the dynamics of the work environment firsthand and to create valuable contacts with potential employers, which can be crucial for the start of their careers. Theory is very important, and sometimes everything works perfectly in theory; however, the real challenge begins when we come into contact with practice and realize that it’s not exactly like that.
Besides your studies, is there any other significant experience that has helped to shape your professional path and future expectations?
Since I grew up in a rural area where my parents still live, I have been familiar with organic food production from a young age. Together with my family, I am still involved in the production of organic raspberries, plums, cheese, and the breeding of other domestic animals. This is where my love for this field comes from, and I am well aware of how difficult it is today to produce safe and high-quality products. After completing my studies, I received an offer from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia to work in the Department for International Food Trade and Certification. I worked there until my move to Italy, and I can say that this was a great lesson for me, teaching me a lot about working with people, the field I am in, and how everything in life is possible if you believe in yourself and those around you. In addition to my professional experiences, I would also like to mention that I have played football for years, trained handball, practiced athletics, acted in various plays, and my greatest love is nature and the stunning landscapes that I love to photograph. I believe that, aside from one's professional career, what a person does in their free time is very important because it shapes us as individuals, helps us develop different skills, balance life’s challenges, and maintain both mental and physical well-being.
Is there an agrifood topic, perhaps among those you are studying, that you find particularly interesting, and why?
One of the topics that particularly interests me is the issue of food scarcity and the increasing number of hungry people around the world. This problem is extremely complex and is connected to many factors, including poverty, climate change, and inefficient agricultural practices. I believe it is important to think about ways to ensure sustainable and efficient food production that can meet the needs of the growing global population, while also reducing the negative impact on the environment. Given my background, where I am involved in organic food production, I am very aware of the challenges faced by producers and how, at the same time, both food safety and quality must be ensured. I believe it is crucial to invest in the development of new technologies and innovations in agriculture, as well as to promote sustainable and fair practices that can help reduce the global hunger problem. This topic deeply fascinates me because I believe that solving the issue of food availability is crucial for the future of the world, and I want to focus on finding solutions that can contribute to reducing the number of hungry people and improving global food security.
What do you think your professional opportunities will be after completing the Master’s Programme?
I believe that after completing this Master's program, many doors will open for me, leading to employment and work in prestigious global companies. The Master Ferrero is highly respected worldwide, and the program offers exceptional opportunities for developing professional skills and gaining necessary industry experience. I am confident that the education I will receive in this program will enable me to qualify for responsible and challenging positions in global companies. Additionally, the opportunity to connect with industry experts and work on real projects will allow me to build valuable connections and gain experience that will be crucial for my professional development and career advancement.
What is your opinion of Cremona? Specifically, do you think Cremona supports your student life activities?
I would call Cremona a small hidden diamond at the bottom of a box full of diamonds of different sizes. Italy is one big box full of diamonds, such as Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples, and then at the bottom of the box, there is a small diamond that shines with the same intensity as the larger ones. Many people don’t know what secrets and beauty Cremona hides. A city of music, famous for violins, Stradivari, and its beautiful Cathedral... Every day, I enjoy exploring this city and learning about its culture and history, meeting new people, and because of that, every day in Cremona is a new challenge for me. I think that Cremona is a city that offers students everything they need during their studies, from a prestigious university and lectures to a nice bar where you can enjoy an Aperritivo with friends in the evening.
Finally, what can you tell us about the Santa Monica campus?
The Santa Monica campus has become my second home from the moment I set foot on it. The campus facilities leave me in awe every day; the combination of art and technology makes it an inspiring place to work and learn. The modern spaces, innovative classrooms, and state-of-the-art equipment allow students to maximize their potential. The atmosphere created by the people here is incredibly supportive and motivating. What excites me the most is the relationship between professors and students, where professors truly strive to bring out the best in students at every moment. At no point have I felt like a stranger on this campus, and that is what makes me happy every day and why I go to university with a smile and return with the same one.