Growing up in Serbia, Sara Vuksanovic understands that while talent is universal, opportunity is not. Being a first-generation college graduate from NYU Abu Dhabi meant creating possibilities her family had never accessed. "On one hand, it felt like I was opening a door that hadn't existed before in my family and I am so proud of that. On the other, there were moments where I felt like I was navigating this entirely new world without a map."
Learning the unwritten codes
Vuksanovic believed that "new contexts could be a bridge for personal growth and broader impact" and had chosen to pursue her education abroad. The unexpected challenges didn't come from coursework or exams, they came from invisible rules: how to ask for help, how to network, how to trust that she belonged in spaces she had no exposure to before. Sometimes it was as simple as figuring out what to wear to a community event versus a networking mixer.
Rather than retreat, Vuksanovic asked questions. The NYUAD Class of 2025 alumna leaned on mentors and friends within the NYUAD community who could offer guidance. "The UAE's multicultural environment taught me to approach communities with humility and curiosity, rather than assumptions." Gradually, Vuksanovic learned to see her background as a strength rather than a gap.
Finding her foundation
The small class sizes, close faculty mentorship, and interdisciplinary thinking pushed Vuksanovic to question assumptions rather than accept easy answers. "NYUAD gave me the space to think deeply and the tools to do so rigorously," Vuksanovic says. She grew more confident in her knowledge and reasoning, and just as confident in recognizing gaps and pursuing answers.
Vuksanovic advises fellow first-generation students the following, "You are not behind, you are building something new and discovering who you are in this space. Ask for help early, seek communities that support you, and don't underestimate how powerful your perspective already is."
Questioning what matters
Vuksanovic's Capstone project asked a question that had been building throughout her NYUAD experience: how do people across different cultures define "good work"? In fast-paced, performance-driven environments, organizations often assume everyone values the same outcomes. Her research proved otherwise.
The research process taught her something essential about critical thinking. "It's not about being critical for its own sake. It's about asking better questions so the answers bring you closer to solutions that actually work."
This approach shaped her evolving understanding of leadership. Being surrounded by people from dozens of countries also showed her that global leadership isn't about having the loudest voice or the "right" background. It's about listening, adapting quickly, and building trust across differences.
Bringing it together
Vuksanovic believes the skills she acquired during her time at NYUAD landed her the business analyst role at McKinsey & Company, a leading global management consulting firm.
"The experience has been challenging, but incredibly rewarding. I'm constantly learning how to break down complex problems and work effectively in teams under pressure." Vuksanovic is particularly passionate about creating workplaces that honor both effectiveness and humanity, designing organizational cultures that balance performance and well-being.
Vuksanovic sees herself continuing to work at the intersection of people, strategy, and impact, rethinking how we define success and good work in the modern world.
"Down the line, I see myself happy. I want to continue working towards being able to wake up every day excited for the adventure ahead."
