When Irina Zrnić first heard about the SkillUp project, she wasn't quite sure what to expect. She knew the project was based on Sustainable Development Goal 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and that it was connected to entrepreneurship, but she had no idea what that would actually look like in practice.
After just the first workshop, she realized this wasn't like a typical school class. There was no sitting, listening, and taking notes, they worked in teams, talked, asked questions, shared opinions, and learned through hands-on tasks. The atmosphere was relaxed, and what meant the most to Irina was that no one expected her to already know everything in advance.
Her first encounter with international interns
One of the most interesting parts of the project was working alongside international interns from Tunisia and Greece. Through conversations with them, Irina got to hear how young people from other countries think, what their everyday lives look like, and how they view topics like entrepreneurship, sustainable development, and the role of young people in society.
Her mentor was from Tunisia, which meant a great deal to her, since working with her gave Irina a different perspective, along with support and advice throughout the entire process. Her mentor didn't just pass on knowledge, she encouraged them to think bigger, ask questions, and connect their ideas to the real needs of society.
Teamwork and her first business plan
During the project, Irina worked in a team of five. Their task was to come up with their own business idea and develop a business plan supporting one of the Sustainable Development Goals. This turned out to be one of her most valuable experiences, since it was the first time they got to see how an idea can actually turn into a concrete plan.
Through teamwork, they learned how to divide tasks, listen to different opinions, make decisions together, and think about who their product or service was actually meant for. It was fascinating to see how much an initial idea changes once you start thinking about your users, the problem you're solving, and the value you want to deliver.
Her first encounter with the Business Model Canvas
One of the most important parts of the project was the moment they were introduced to the Business Model Canvas. Until then, Irina had never thought about business in such a structured way. Through this model, they learned to look at an idea from multiple angles, who their users are, what problem they're solving, what their value proposition is, how they reach people, what resources they need, and how the idea could become sustainable.
This helped her learn how to think strategically. She realized that a good idea isn't enough on its own, it's just as important to understand who it's for, why it's useful, and how it can actually work in the real world.
English without the pressure
At first, Irina was a little nervous about the fact that the workshops were held in English. She worried she'd make mistakes or wouldn't know how to express herself. Very quickly, though, she realized the point wasn't speaking perfect English, it was about actually trying to communicate.
Through discussions, teamwork, and presenting ideas, she gradually became more comfortable using English. There was no grading, no correcting every mistake, no pressure like in a classroom, and that's exactly why she felt free to speak up, ask questions, and get involved.
Entrepreneurship connected to sustainable development
What she liked most was that the project wasn't just about how to build a business, it was about how a business can have a purpose and help solve an important problem in society.
They thought about how entrepreneurial ideas can support the Sustainable Development Goals, how young people can identify problems in their communities, and how creativity can be used to drive positive change. Through this, Irina realized that entrepreneurship isn't just about starting a company, it's a way of thinking, solving problems, and creating value for others.
The skills she developed
Alongside her knowledge of entrepreneurship and sustainable development, the project helped Irina develop skills that will surely matter later on. She learned how to work better within a team, how to express her opinions more clearly, and how to listen to others even when she disagrees with them. She also had the chance to practice presenting ideas, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Why she'd recommend the SkillUp project
What mattered most to Irina was feeling included. No one had to be the loudest, the best at English, or the most experienced to take part, everyone could contribute in their own way.
The SkillUp project helped her step outside her comfort zone, meet new people, and realize she's capable of more than she thought. She'd recommend it to anyone who wants to learn something new, meet people from other countries, practice their English, and build skills that will matter for their future. You don't need to know everything in advance, you don't need perfect English, and you don't need a business idea already figured out, all you need is to be open, curious, and ready to get involved.
