On May 28, students from the Computing study programme attended the DUMP Days conference, one of the largest student IT events in Croatia, held at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FESB) in Split. For the past ten years, the conference has brought together students, industry experts, and representatives of leading technology companies with the aim of connecting academia and the IT industry while showcasing current technological trends and career opportunities.
The gathering of students took place in front of the FESB campus in the morning, followed by a rich programme of lectures, panel discussions, and networking activities. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to listen to experienced professionals from various sectors of the IT industry, ask questions, and engage with representatives of numerous companies.
The conference was opened by comedian Tomislav Primorac, who shared his professional journey and transition from the field of physics to stand-up comedy through an engaging and humorous presentation. Using personal examples, he highlighted the importance of adaptability, communication skills, and openness to change in career development.
The technology behind League of Legends and VALORANT
One of the lectures that attracted significant attention was delivered by Ivan Maček, Staff Software Engineer at Riot Games. His presentation, titled “The Technology Behind League of Legends and VALORANT,” provided insight into the complex systems that support some of the world’s most popular online games. Particular emphasis was placed on the challenges of scaling server infrastructure, handling large numbers of concurrent users, ensuring system security, and maintaining the stability of applications used by millions of players worldwide. Through this lecture, students gained a deeper understanding of how theoretical knowledge in programming, networking, and software engineering is applied in large-scale technological systems.
Everyone Talks About AI
Another highly anticipated session was the panel discussion “Everyone Talks About AI. But Who Actually Knows How to Turn It into a Product?” featuring experts in artificial intelligence and digital product development:
- Dina Hrastović, Head of Branded Content – Presshaus
- Hajdi Ćenan, Senior TPM – Synthpop
- Goran Vukšić, CTO & Co-Founder – syntheticAIdata
- Marko Velić, Staff Software Engineer – Google
The discussion focused on the challenges of implementing AI solutions, the importance of high-quality data, selecting appropriate models, and the regulatory frameworks shaping the development of artificial intelligence in Europe. Drawing on their professional experience, the panellists illustrated the journey from an initial idea to the development of a sustainable AI product and emphasised the importance of understanding real business needs when applying emerging technologies.
University won’t prepare you for business, but here’s who might
Students also had the opportunity to attend the panel discussion “University Won’t Prepare You for Business, but Here’s Who Might,” which focused on entrepreneurship, business development, and the challenges of entering the labour market.
The speakers highlighted that while university education provides a strong technical foundation, business and entrepreneurial skills are most often developed through practical experience, projects, and collaboration. Topics included launching personal projects, freelancing, employment opportunities, working with investors, and the differences between domestic and international markets.
A step towards a future career
In addition to attending lectures and panel discussions, students actively participated in networking activities and engaged with representatives of numerous IT companies. These interactions enabled them to meet potential employers, learn about internship and employment opportunities, and establish valuable professional connections for their future careers.
We believe that experiences such as these play an important role in bridging academic education with the real needs of the labour market while providing students with additional motivation for professional growth and lifelong learning.
We would like to thank the organisers of the DUMP Days conference, the speakers, and all participating companies for taking the time to meet with our students. We look forward to future opportunities for collaboration and participation in similar events.