Ruhe finds success in Croatia

Published: January 18, 2006

School of Journalism alumni have found jobs all over the world, careers that build on their journalism studies. This series by Suzannah Evans asked some of those alumni to reflect on their careers.

Charlotte Ruhe, B.A. '83, with her daughter. Ruhe is Croatia's "country manager." (Courtesy photos)

Charlotte Ruhe, B.A. '83

Hometown: Brazil, Ind.

Current residence: Zagreb, Croatia

Job: Senior banker, head of Zagreb office for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (e.g., Croatia country manager)

Describe your typical workday:
Busy with meetings with clients. They include financial institutions, companies in retail, food and beverages, tourism; municipal authorities, and the government and national infrastructure companies.

Is this where you imagined you'd end up?
Never.

What's your proudest professional moment so far?
For five years I managed a small business initiative of EBRD and the EU targeting banks in Central Europe. I was very proud when the clients finally "got it," changed their
attitude and succeeded to lend in a big way to small businesses. That was very exciting.

What's your favorite memory of Bloomington and IU?
Hanging out with friends.

Tell us something about where you live that we don't know.
Everyone knows about the Croatian coast line, which is spectacular, but Zagreb is a lovely city built at the foot of a mountain. From here you can take beautiful walks and finish with a delicious home cooked meal, enjoying a gorgeous view. It is a very pleasant place to live, even if a bit small (after 13 years in London!).

Are you a graduate living and working overseas? The School of Journalism would like to hear from you as well. Contact Suzannah Evans (sudevans@indiana.edu) to fill out a short survey and let your classmates know about your exotic home and work.

Return to main story, Alumni find careers in far-flung places.