Inspiring the Next Generation: An Interview with Our Guest Professor from Osijek

A Career Rooted in Passion and Community

For Professor Perić, entering academia was a deliberate choice driven by a desire to positively support young people and encourage their personal and professional development. She has always found genuine fulfilment in working with youth, sharing knowledge and connecting theory with real-life business practice.

Overtime, she realized that being a professor goes far beyond traditional teaching and research. It is an active opportunity to contribute to the community. Her dedication to initiatives such as service-learning projects, volunteering programmes and socially engaged activities has turned her academic role into a path she truly enjoys and finds deeply meaningful.

Ethics in Action: Bringing Theory to Life

During the International Teaching Week, she joined forces with our own professor Dr. Petra Eszter Rácz-Putzer. Sharing similar academic interests, they collaborated within the Business Ethics course, where Professor Perić delivered an inspiring guest lecture focused on ethical decision-making. Rather than relying on passive lecturing, she brought these concepts to life through an interactive approach. The session became a dynamic space where abstract ideas met real-world perspectives, prompting students to actively analyse the vital role that responsible behaviour and sustainability play in modern organizations.

High engagement from UPFBE students

One of the most rewarding aspects of the week was the intellectual energy inside the lecture halls. Julia Perić noted that the University of Pécs Faculty of Business and Economics students were highly active participants who demonstrated immense openness and a genuine interest in classroom interaction. Their willingness to dive into discussions, share their own opinions and contribute their personal experiences created a highly motivating and collaborative atmosphere. This level of preparation and curiosity is a true testament to the academic standards fostered here at our university.

Discovering the city of Pécs

Beyond the lecture halls, the city of Pécs left a wonderful impression on our visiting professor. Due to the geographical proximity between Osijek and Pécs, she enjoys visiting the city whenever possible, noting that it shares a very similar atmosphere, char and welcoming spirit to her hometown. The human element stood out as a highlight of her stay. Thanks to the exceptional organization and the warm hospitality extended by her colleagues at our faculty, she experienced a truly supportive environment that made her visit as culturally enriching as it was professionally successful.

A lasting academic connection

Reflecting on her time with us, she described her International Teaching Week experience as overwhelmingly positive. The event served as a vibrant platform for knowledge-sharing, successfully blending regional academic traditions and allowing faculty and students from different backgrounds to exchange ideas.

Given the great success of her sessions and the warm reception from our students, the visit has already opened doors for the future. The discussions held during the week have successfully laid the groundwork for exciting collaborative academic projects and further institutional cooperation planned for the upcoming school year. 

Nagy Virág