Business Skills, Experience Gained in U.S. Help M.B.A. Grad Land Banking Position in Montenegro

Meet Dejan Duraskovic

Job title: Organizational Development, Project Management and Business Analytics Expert
Employer: Addiko Bank, Montenegro
Degrees earned: M.B.A. with a concentration in International Business, Point Park University, 2014; B.S. in Maritime Engineering, University of Montenegro, 2005
Grad school activities: Graduate Assistant for the School of Business and Orientation Assistant for the Office of International Student Services and Enrollment
Scholarship from Point Park: M.B.A. Graduate Assistantship
Hometown: Berane, Montenegro
High school: Panto Malisic Gymnasium
Now living in: Podgorica, Montenegro
Hobbies/interests: Soccer, guitar and reading
LinkedIn: Dejan Duraskovic

"Dejan showed he was a very good fit for our bank. Having a degree from a university in the United States and work experience from The Bank of New York Mellon made him a strong candidate for our team. His M.B.A. program prepared him to understand and apply his knowledge about all key business concepts to his position as well as communicate effectively with people from all levels in our bank."

-- Zarija Milic, Organization/IT Managing Director, Addiko Bank

"The M.B.A. program's international business concentration offers a variety of classes, is taught by experienced professors and designed to prepare students for international careers."

-- Dejan Duraskovic

As an international student from Montenegro, why did you choose Point Park for graduate school?

After spending several years in the workforce, I did not want to let myself stay in the comfort zone and for my skills to go stagnate. I was ready to start something different and to challenge myself while acquiring new skills.

After researching M.B.A. programs throughout the United States, I was lucky enough to meet with Dr. Dimitris Kraniou, who explained to me all the advantages that the M.B.A. program at Point Park University brings. He discussed some of the topics that M.B.A. students at Point Park study and I immediately knew that it was the program I would love to enter.

Also, the M.B.A. program's international business concentration offers a variety of classes, is taught by experienced professors and designed to prepare students for international careers.

How did you land your position with Addiko Bank?

Having an M.B.A. degree, along with experience working as a global securities settlement analyst at The Bank of New York Mellon, a finance intern at ServiceLink and a graduate assistant at Point Park University, enabled me to be more competitive in the job market. I applied for my current position because Addiko Bank offers an excellent working environment and the position fit my career goals perfectly.

Describe your experiences as an international graduate student on Point Park's campus.

My experiences as an international student at Point Park University were very positive. I was exposed to a diverse environment, where I enjoyed meeting new people from all around the world. Staff members from the International Student Service and Enrollment Office, especially Amanda Avampato, were extremely helpful by providing me with practical information whenever needed. They also guided me through a well-organized orientation and offered numerous international social events.

How has your M.B.A. degree helped you achieve career success?

It has helped me to expand my knowledge and develop skills required for business and management. Point Park's M.B.A. program offers relatively small classes, which I believe is the best way to get personal attention, exchange ideas with classmates and interact with professors. Also, group assignments were an excellent way to develop project management skills, which are required in my current position at Addiko Bank.

Final thoughts?

Having been a student of Dr. Kraniou and Dr. Sidky is an honor and I am so proud to say that I earned my degree at Point Park University. I was taught by excellent professors and I enriched my knowledge and skills at a highly-ranked business school. I also met great friends from different parts of the world. Thank you Point Park University for this great experience!

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More About: Rowland School of Business, M.B.A., alumni, graduate programs