Bridging Theory and Practice: Lamija Ahmetašević’s Scholarship Journey with Semblie
For Lamija Ahmetašević, a student at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo, the Joint Scholarship with Semblie was an opportunity to turn passion into experience.
“What drew me most wasn’t just the financial aspect,” Lamija shares. “It was the chance to work on a real project. I had already developed an interest in embedded systems, and when I learned that Semblie specializes in that exact area, it confirmed my decision to apply. The possibility to work alongside a mentor and gain practical experience through real projects was my biggest motivation.”
The project itself presented both challenges and growth. From the very beginning, Lamija expressed her desire to focus more on the hardware aspect rather than software — something that required her to quickly adapt and deepen her technical understanding. “I realized that I was missing knowledge in certain areas,” she admits, “but with detailed research and my mentor’s constant guidance, I managed to overcome those gaps.”
Balancing time was another challenge. “This year, I was fortunate to have several amazing opportunities, but each of them, along with my academic responsibilities, required discipline and good organization,” she says. “Thanks to my mentor’s support, we managed to complete most of the project during the scholarship period, and I’m excited to finish the remaining parts soon.”
Through this experience, Lamija was able to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application — a combination that strengthened her confidence. “I developed analytical thinking, precision, and better time management,” she explains. “Learning new tools and programs — sometimes redoing the same steps multiple times until getting the right result — taught me patience and perseverance.”
Beyond the project, the financial support from the scholarship gave her freedom to focus entirely on her education and development. “It allowed me to dedicate myself fully to both my studies and the project without worrying about the costs of materials or equipment,” she adds.
Lamija’s time at Semblie helped her grow both technically and personally. “I learned new ways of approaching technical problems, how to ask better questions, and how to use tools more efficiently. The skills and experiences I gained have already enriched my CV and strengthened the foundation for my professional future,” she says.
One of the most meaningful parts of the journey was the relationship she built with her mentor. “Her guidance and support inspired me deeply. I hope that one day, I’ll be able to guide someone else the same way she guided me.”
Lamija also highlights how her volunteer experience helped shape her path. “My previous volunteer work helped me stand out during the interview, and the scholarship allowed me to further develop my interests and activities in the field I want to pursue.”
Her advice to future scholarship recipients is both practical and heartfelt:
“Make the most of everything this opportunity offers. Be thorough in your learning and research, and don’t limit yourself to what’s taught at university. Experiences beyond the classroom are essential for both your personal and professional growth.”