Bisera Berberkic - I'm the captain of my own ship

I'm one of those people who knew from an early age what I want to be when I grow up. For as long as I can remember I was always fascinated with architectural design, especially interior architecture. 

When I was little I was constantly playing a game called Sims. It’s a simulation of people’s lives. You create characters, build their home, and then "play" their life. At least that’s how you were supposed to play it. I would make characters and then spend days building their house. Once I was done with the house I would just move to another house. After high school graduation, I searched for an educational facility that would prepare me to create those homes later in real life. I had no desire to pursue my education aboard as I was too attached to my life here in Sarajevo. I wanted to study somewhere where I would get all the necessary tools, good support system, and form healthy relationships. I scheduled my visit to the International University of Sarajevo where I was welcomed by one of the professors from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. I had a tour of the campus where I got to know the environment, feel that student life. I was also presented with a syllabus and I talked with the professor about what I can expect if I enroll at IUS. Once I got into the car, I  and my mom looked at each other and we knew IUS was a perfect fit for me. 

As for every freshman, the first year was an exciting period of my life. I met so many people coming from different cultures with various backgrounds. We had several workshops organized by an architectural department during that time. We even had a study trip to Poland that was a part of the workshop and conference. 

On my way to Bachelor degree and later Master degree at IUS:

I made my first model in the architecture lab. 

I used the CNC machine and 3D printer at IUS for the first time in my life. 

I borrowed many design books from the IUS library.

I did a summer internship at Studio Zec.

I drove a cart at IUS spring festival. 

I held public presentations in English. 

I learned AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, SketchUP, and Photoshop at IUS as a part of my studies. All tools which I use almost daily in my professional life now.

I attended Expos, Days of Architecture, Oris, and listened to many speakers that held lectures at IUS. 

I had an exciting student life and IUS was a huge part of that. All of these experiences and many more that I can't remember now shaped me into the person I am now. 

Today I work as a freelance interior designer. A job I love and enjoy doing. As an interior designer, you have to use your sense of style, to develop designs that look great, function properly, and are aesthetically pleasing. Whenever I design a home it is done in such a manner that it suits the lifestyle of my clients. This is a very important component since the architectural component is built according to the resident’s lifestyle. As a freelancer, I'm the captain of my ship, and that’s a great way to feel. There’s no 9 to 5 unless I want it. If I feel most productive between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., I can work then. Sure, freelancing also has its ups and downs, but as long as you keep at it, in the long run, you’ll have complete control over your future and your earnings. That’s far better than working for someone who can tell you they don’t need you anymore, whenever they want. Every day in freelance life brings new challenges, and you’ll learn from each of them. You’ll be more than a designer, you’ll be a businessperson, and you’ll learn to solve business problems every single day.

Learning something new and seeking knowledge and wisdom is a key part of constantly improving. So keep seeking new knowledge and inspiration every day. Read books. Visit websites. Have conversations with smart friends, find mentors, and learn new stuff. Take up a new hobby. Never, ever stop learning or challenging yourself and you’ll always keep improving yourself.