UACS Alumni of the Month: Interview with Filip Ivanovski
“Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Filip Ivanovski, an accomplished entrepreneur and proud UACS alumnus. Filip has had an inspiring journey from being a student at UACS to becoming a key figure in the business world. He joins us to share his experiences, insights, and advice for current and future UACS students who are interested in entrepreneurship.
Let’s dive right in!
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What inspired you to collaborate with UACS?
When I first entered the faculty, I felt a very nice and different approach. First of all, the attitude of the university employees towards us, and then the lectures, which were held in small groups where each professor could devote time to each student. Most importantly for me, they treated us with immense respect, which instilled incredible confidence. That is the most important thing for a young person who has yet to show the best that they have within and be given the wings to succeed.
How do you believe your insight could benefit UACS students in the Entrepreneurship class?
I am 100% sure that I can help them a lot because we are all the same, and I have already walked their path. At their age, we have a lot of energy and a lot of desires, but we lack experience and knowledge. Everyone needs a tailwind and direction. The tailwind should be the support and creation of a positive mindset, and the direction should be transforming their desires into real goals with a concrete plan for achieving success. When UACS provides them with the necessary knowledge through their top professors, it is not a question of IF they will succeed, but WHEN. That is a guaranteed definition of success.
What message would you like to share with UACS faculty and students regarding your topic of expertise?
First of all, I would like to thank all the employees and professors because they all played a role in shaping who I am today. My practical experience over the past 12 years in the business world has shown me that anything is possible. The most important thing is to take the first step, and for that, you need a huge amount of self-confidence—something that UACS gave me through its excellent environment and the knowledge I acquired there.
What is my expertise now?
- Setting goals and developing a plan
- Surrounding yourself with successful people who have already achieved what you aspire to
- ACTION, ACTION, and only ACTION
Can you share your experience as a student at UACS? What are some key memories from your time here?
I have wonderful memories of my time at UACS. I happily attended lectures every day. I remember the excellent and pleasant atmosphere in the lectures, where the professors were not only educators but also our friends. As the student president, I organized football and basketball teams, leading to frequent matches and trips. We had student parties and trips around Europe. I will never forget the evaluations that the university conducted at the end of each semester, which showed that our opinions mattered to them.
How did your education at UACS shape your career and entrepreneurial mindset?
When the main goal of a university is to help every student build a great career or create their own business, and they work dedicatedly towards that through their lectures and extracurricular activities, it becomes much easier for students to shape themselves and build the future they desire. That mindset was cultivated from the first to the last day. I will never forget how, at the beginning of my career, when I was sharing my business idea and looking for business partners, the university provided me with a conference room that I would have had to pay for elsewhere—something I couldn’t afford at the time. This allowed me to present my idea on a more serious and professional level.
Were there any professors or courses that had a significant impact on your professional journey?
Yes, definitely. Professor Kimo Chavdar is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Additionally, I will never forget my two meetings with the rector of the university, Prof. Dr. Marjan Bojadziev, in his office. He supported everything I did as student president, and that knowledge and practical experience continue to help me daily in building my business.
What are the biggest challenges young entrepreneurs face today in Macedonia?
The biggest challenge young people face nowadays, in my opinion, is one and the same: they seek and listen to advice from incompetent people. We all love and respect our relatives and friends, but that does not mean they have practical experience or concrete knowledge to offer.
How can universities like UACS better support students interested in entrepreneurship?
In life, there is theory and practice. Unlike many of my friends who attended other universities and received only theoretical knowledge, I remember that at UACS, after every theoretical lecture, there was always practical application. Practical work not only helped me retain knowledge but also taught me essential communication skills and how to “sell.” Everything in life is about selling. When you go to a job interview, you need to know how to “sell yourself”—your experience and knowledge—to secure a higher salary. And of course, there is the ALUMNI network. That’s why UACS is the best.
What advice would you give to current UACS students looking to start their businesses or manage an existing business?
The advice is very simple: Start! Then, everything will fall into place. Remember, the best investment a person can make is in themselves. The most important thing is that you will feel happy and fulfilled. And when the time comes to start a family, you will have enough confidence, knowledge, and experience to handle all of life’s challenges.
What are your future goals, and how do you see your role in supporting entrepreneurship in Macedonia?
My goal has always been clear. I don’t do business to have money; I do business to have freedom—to travel and enjoy life. It is very important to ask yourself: Do you own the business, or does the business own you? Remember that. I know that wherever I go, I can be successful. But I want to be successful here. By staying in Macedonia and building a business, I set an example to those around me that success is achievable. In my company, we regularly hold training sessions and practical workshops for people over 16, helping them develop as individuals. We already have many young people who, at the age of 16 or 18, earn more than their parents who have been working in a profession for 20 years. Young people are changing the world.
And in the end, who knows—maybe one day I will be a professor and teach at a university.
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Filip Ivanovski’s journey is a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and the right mindset. His story inspires UACS students and young entrepreneurs looking to make an impact.
Thank you, Filip, for sharing your valuable experiences and insights!”
