My name is Vesna, and I work as a consultant in the Applications and Software Development Business Unit at Axians in Croatia. Currently, I am working on a fraud management system project for telecom companies. Our software is detecting misbehaving customers and preventing them from causing further damage. This includes actions such as suspending accounts of bad payers. We also detect more complex fraudulent patterns that are harming our client’s business.
My initial motivation came from my strong interest in mathematics and engineering. This led me to study at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing at Zagreb University. During my career, I found that I could succeed in both IT and business, which drove me to seek a consulting role where I could combine my technical and business knowledge. The challenge of solving complex problems and developing innovative solutions particularly motivates me.
My interest in mathematics and engineering led me to study at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Zagreb. I then began my career in various IT departments in different industries, starting with a company building transmission lines, followed by positions in the pharmaceutical and telecommunications industries.
I worked in the controlling department of a large international telecommunications company. In this hybrid IT-business role, I bridged the gap between IT and business, working on finance-related projects such as IT transformation and managing systems such as SAP, billing and BI.
During this time, I also gained experience in project management and obtained a degree in controlling from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Zagreb. Eventually, I returned to my technical roots by joining an IT company, where I now work as a consultant in fraud management systems, using my expertise in telecom processes.
Yeah, if I think about it, what makes me proud to be part of Axians is the innovative, highly collaborative, and multicultural environment. There’s a strong emphasis on knowledge and skill exchange, and mutual support within projects. It’s a place where creativity is nurtured, and knowledge sharing is actively encouraged. One thing I’ve already started doing is identifying who can help me, and whose expertise I can tap into. The exchange is not just within Croatia, but with colleagues from other countries as well.
I feel Axians supports diversity, and I believe that’s part of why I was chosen to participate in this interview, being a woman in IT—a field where women are still underrepresented. We also have a great work-life balance, which is something the company emphasizes. If you’re not happy as an individual, you won’t give your best at work. All these little things contribute to a supportive and fulfilling environment.
The collaborative culture and innovation are what I find most impactful. I used to work in a large corporation, where collaboration was valued, but it wasn’t as emphasized as it is here at Axians. Communication, especially in marketing, has been key in making us aware of the different possibilities, opportunities, and projects happening within the company. Although we’re not yet fully tapping into these resources, I believe we will in the future.
In Axians Croatia, we have excellent collaboration both formally and informally. We may work from home or in the office, but we always communicate through online meetings, calls, and informal chats. Our team is small but highly creative and cooperative. When we have a new project or task, we discuss it together, each offering our own perspectives, which gives us a complete picture.
One other thing that stands out is the annual conference TechConnect. The one in Belgrade was a great experience. Meeting colleagues in person and hearing about their projects was inspiring, as was the chance to interact with key speakers and participate in the AI workshop. It was an opportunity to brainstorm how AI solutions could be applied in our environment and ecosystems.
Each project is a challenge in its own way, but I view challenges as opportunities. Throughout my career, I’ve faced many challenges, especially with projects that were ambitious in scope and deadlines. But if we avoid these challenges, we wouldn’t grow. I’ve identified a few key challenges and my approach to dealing with them:
The first is communication. It’s crucial that all project stakeholders are aligned and share the same understanding of the goals and expected outcomes. Miscommunication can lead to significant issues.
Second, it’s essential to keep the big picture in mind. Understanding the end product, identifying end users, interfaces, and dependencies helps in avoiding surprises down the line.
Technical challenges are also common in our fast-developing field. That’s where collaboration becomes important—not just within our team, but across business units. If we need advice from experts in other areas like cloud solutions or cybersecurity, we consult with them.
Lastly, time is always a factor. When multiple projects have similar deadlines, it’s important to prioritize and manage time efficiently. If you can balance these elements, the challenge can turn into a success. Overcoming challenges strengthens both technical and personal skills, helping you grow as an expert.
Consultant in the Applications and Software Development Business Unit at Axians Croatia
Absolutely. The support from Axians has been a key factor in overcoming challenges. The collaboration across teams and departments, the resources provided through tech conferences, and the overall openness to knowledge sharing have all been incredibly helpful. The company ensures that we have the tools we need to succeed.
My goals are not just professional, but also personal. I’m committed to my personal growth, and I want to take advantage of the opportunities Axians offers for continuous learning. I want to keep expanding my knowledge, both in technical and business aspects, and collaborate in this diverse, multicultural environment. Diversity brings new perspectives and ideas, which is crucial for innovation and success.
Finding the balance between professional and private life is also very important to me. I’m an avid cyclist and make time to recharge. I bike to work every day and enjoy long rides in the mountains near Zagreb. Sometimes, when I’m working on a tough problem, the solution comes to me during one of my rides.
In the future, I’d also like to explore the possibility of job rotations, spending time in different countries to really immerse myself in the local culture. Working in a different environment for a few months would give me a deeper understanding of other perspectives and help build stronger connections.
Definitely. I’d advise new employees to take advantage of every opportunity and to step out of their comfort zones. Seek out knowledge from colleagues, talk to experts, and collaborate. Building good team cooperation is essential—first within your own team, and then expanding outward. The opportunities are there, you just have to be open to them.
One more thing I’d like to mention is the importance of women in IT. Within my family, we’re working to provide female role models for our daughters, and they’re supported by their dad and brother. I see a similar focus on diversity at Axians, where we value different perspectives, not just in terms of gender, but across many areas. This diversity brings versatility and creativity, which ultimately increases productivity. I’d love to see this aspect continue to grow within Axians.