With the final presentation of completed projects, the ceremonial presentation of certificates to participants for successfully completing their student internship, and a closing gathering, the second cycle of our Internship Program, carried out in cooperation with ENNA Group, came to an end.
The program was conducted at ENNA Next, a company positioned as a smart energy hub connecting sophisticated digital solutions, renewable energy sources, and green technologies. The students worked on real project tasks and had the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the processes and challenges of modern energy business operations.
Through the internship program, eight students, divided into four teams and supported by mentors, worked for four weeks on real project assignments while becoming familiar with the company’s business processes.
The attendees were addressed by Nela Vlahinić, President of XEnergy, and Nenad Ukropina, Director of ENNA Next.
“We are glad that through this program we managed to open a window for you into the world of energy and the energy transition, and from what I have heard from colleagues, you like the view through that window. Over the next 10 to 15 years, the energy sector will no longer look the way it does today. Much is being said about artificial intelligence and its impact on jobs. However, in this field, AI will only be a tool, but without you, there will be no future for the energy sector. I am glad we met you, and our doors are always open to you,” said Nenad Ukropina, Director of ENNA Next.
Nela Vlahinić emphasized how pleased she was that the students had the opportunity to complete their internship in a modern, progressive, and flexible company, and congratulated them for recognizing the opportunity for their own development.
“The business world, the market, and even our general way of life will irreversibly change over the next few years. What will set you apart from everyone else is precisely this experience and the knowledge you have gained. Investing in yourself is always by far the most profitable investment,” said Vlahinić.
We then had the great pleasure of listening to the students’ final presentations. Their level of seriousness, analytical thinking, and understanding of the energy sector once again confirmed how valuable programs like this are, both for students and for potential employers.
The program participants were: Jana Delač (Zagreb University of Applied Sciences – TVZ), Martina Pervan (TVZ), Lucija Perkić (TVZ), Ana Nuić (Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering), Marta Žejinski (TVZ), Lucija Crnoja (TVZ), Lola Ranogajac (RIT Croatia), and Zara Plevko (RIT Croatia).
Mentorship was led with great dedication by experts from ENNA Next: Marijeta Majer, Director of the Energy Projects Sector; Luka Krilić, Portfolio Management Lead; Branimir Herceg, Head of Operations Department; and Nikolina Čović, Portfolio Management Associate.
The participants of the Internship Program especially highlighted the contribution of their mentors, as well as all other ENNA Next experts who shared their knowledge and experience throughout the program.
“I learned what sustainable energy looks like in Croatia; the legal aspects, the infrastructure, how projects are developed, and what role ENNA Next plays,” said Zara Plevko, a fourth-year student at RIT Croatia, after completing the internship.
“In life, you should try everything and see for yourself, rather than be afraid because you do not know something or because you think perfection is expected of you. Through an internship like this, I learned many things and gained experience that will benefit me for the rest of my life,” shared Martina Pervan, a third-year student at Zagreb University of Applied Sciences (TVZ).
We sincerely thank the management of ENNA Group and Mr. Boštjan Napast for recognizing the importance of this kind of program that invests in young talent, as well as the management of ENNA Next for their support and the realization of this project.
Special thanks also go to all mentors for their time, knowledge, and generous sharing of experience, as well as to Antonela Vidović Zubak, Head of the XEnergy Internship Program, for her exceptional dedication and organization.
We wholeheartedly congratulate the young women for recognizing the opportunity, investing significant effort and energy to learn so much, and preparing themselves for a rapidly changing job market. It was wonderful to watch them confidently and competently present the results of their project work and remind us once again that the most valuable investment is always in yourself and your knowledge.
For XEnergy, programs like this hold special value because we believe that investing in young women in energy means investing in a fairer, more sustainable, and more innovative future.
