UACS Alumni of the Month: Interview with Ali Xhafer
“It’s always inspiring to reconnect with UACS alumni who are making a real impact in the entrepreneurial world. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ali Xhafer, an exceptional graduate whose journey from UACS student to business leader is nothing short of remarkable. We’ll discuss how his education shaped his career, the challenges young entrepreneurs face, and how he is giving back to the next generation.
Let’s dive in!
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What inspired you to collaborate with UACS?
Collaborating with UACS was a significant experience for me and my career development. Being surrounded by highly experienced and knowledgeable professionals is truly a dream for anyone. Moreover, I was deeply impressed by UACS’s vision, and contributing to its progress is something I would always aspire to do.
How do you believe your insight could benefit UACS students in the Entrepreneurship class?
The presentation is designed to help students grasp the importance of being actively involved in every aspect of their business, regardless of the industry they may lead in the future. Today, we will explore an entrepreneurship model that highlights the significance of dedication and commitment. Another key aspect is the entrepreneur’s deep connection to their hometown. A single decision can have a profound impact, and the choice to employ 700 people in the country where they were born and raised reflects their strong sense of love and loyalty.
What message would you like to share with UACS faculty and students regarding your topic of expertise?
I encourage everyone to take full advantage of this opportunity to be surrounded by highly knowledgeable and experienced individuals and make the most of it. Ask questions, engage with professors and fellow students, exchange knowledge, and continuously learn from one another. When it comes to your professional development, always give your best effort—the harder you work, the luckier you get. Whatever you do, do it with passion and enjoy every moment of success. There’s no better feeling than making an impact—whether at work, in school, or even while enjoying an espresso.
Can you share your experience as a student at UACS? What are some key memories from your time here?
I enjoyed every moment of the experience, but one of the most memorable moments was our visit to “Pivara Skopje” with Professor Filip Ivanovski. I also truly appreciated the engaging role plays we did in class with Professor Marijan Bojadjiev, and of course, the unforgettable pizza party during our last class with the professor.
How did your education at UACS shape your career and entrepreneurial mindset?
My education at UACS was a crucial investment in my professional development. You can have the experience and knowledge, but the level of education and professionalism you gain is equally important. I chose to enroll in the Executive MBA with the mindset of “I don’t know what I don’t know,” and it turned out to be exactly what I needed. Through this journey, I have learned immensely, and today, I can confidently say that I am prepared to take on greater responsibilities in my career and make a meaningful impact in any company or department I join.
Were there any professors or courses that had a significant impact on your professional journey?
I genuinely had a great experience and gained valuable knowledge from every professor during this time. However, the Organizational Behavior and Leadership class stood out the most for me, as it aligned closely with my passion for leadership and entrepreneurship, making the lessons especially impactful.
What are the biggest challenges young entrepreneurs face today in Macedonia?
The biggest blockers today are:
- Entry regulations – Institutional constraints that impact the ease of starting a business.
- Financial constraints – Factors such as limited liability and moral hazard, which restrict access to funding, particularly for those with fewer financial resources.
- Entrepreneurial ability – Defined by an individual’s education, experience, and overall human capital, which influence their capacity to succeed in business.
How can universities like UACS better support students interested in entrepreneurship?
I suggest organizing competition sessions where students, either individually or in groups, present their business ideas. These competitions would take place across universities and be evaluated by a commission composed of professors and assistants. The best idea would be selected and rewarded, with potential incentives such as discounted MBA tuition, a monetary prize, or advisory support from professors when implementing the business idea.
What advice would you give to current UACS students looking to start their businesses or manage an existing business?
Owning a business is no easy task, but speaking from experience in both ownership and management, I can confidently say it’s worth pursuing. Think of your company as your own car—no one will care for it the way you do. That’s why it’s crucial to stay involved in every process and spend time with both your customers and employees.
When it comes to managing an existing business, you might feel like you’re taking care of someone else’s car. However, that’s not the case. Your role is to manage specific parts of the car based on your expertise, ensuring they function properly. And while you may not own the car, your contribution is essential to keeping it running smoothly.
What are your future goals, and how do you see your role in supporting entrepreneurship in Macedonia?
I am currently in the early stages of my research, laying the foundation for my plan. Once the research is complete, I intend to move into manufacturing, creating numerous job opportunities for my community while delivering top-quality products to the market.
How do you think alumni like yourself can contribute to the growth and success of UACS students?
I am always eager to support and share my experiences with any student navigating important decisions. Feel free to reach out—I’d love to have a conversation. I am truly grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained and the experiences I’ve had, and I’m more than happy to share them with anyone reading this. Additionally, I am interested in developing competitive sessions for business development at UACS, which could be structured as a project.
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Ali, your journey and insights are incredibly valuable to the UACS community. Your passion for entrepreneurship and commitment to giving back is truly inspiring. We do not doubt that your experiences will encourage students to take bold steps toward their entrepreneurial success.
Thank you for sharing your story, and we look forward to seeing the impact you will continue to make!”
