I’ve wrestled with this question for a while. But in the end, it comes down to what I can or cannot build in the U.S. compared to Italy or the broader EU.
My top three career goals are centered around:
Contributing to the regeneration of the West
Advancing space exploration
Supporting lifespan research and longevity science
And on a personal level, my deepest goal is to find an incredible woman to marry and build a family — a real one, not just a lifestyle accessory.
So the real question becomes: Where is the best place to pursue these goals — at scale, and with depth?
As much as I care about Europe — and Italy in particular — I have to acknowledge that the EU struggles to offer competitive pathways in innovation, ambition, and long-term scaling. The U.S., for all its flaws, remains the best launchpad for people who want to build boldly and make a dent in the world.
Put simply: The U.S. still dreams in decades. Europe often hesitates in months.
That’s the difference I’m betting on.
I’m currently exploring post-MSc work opportunities in the United States, ideally in the fields of venture capital, innovation strategy, or policy-tech intersections.
I’m also researching potential visa pathways — including H-1B, L-1, and O-1 — and open to conversations with companies, founders, or institutions interested in cross-border talent and long-term ambition.
I bring a European lens grounded in structural awareness and long-term thinking.
I bring a political instinct shaped by civic engagement, an international perspective, and a drive to understand power and systems.
And I bring a startup mentality — resourceful, fast-moving, and focused on execution.
I move between systems and ideas — from policy to capital, from theory to action — always looking for ways to make things work in the real world.
I want to help build what’s next — not just react to what’s broken.
Spent an exchange year in Arizona (Blue Ridge High School)
Visited the United States multiple times since, including a recent stay in Hawaii
Exploring a job offer in Phoenix, with potential ties to San Diego and Los Angeles
Actively working on a visa strategy (H-1B, L-1, O-1)
Building relationships with people from, in, or connected to the U.S.
Exploring internship options (to complete my MSc) and post-graduation job opportunities aligned with my long-term goals
If you're building something aligned — or just think we should talk — I’d love to hear from you.
📧 ilja@iljakrecic.com
I’m especially open to intros to firms, founders, VCs, policy thinkers, or anyone in the U.S. working on long-term, mission-driven challenges — especially those who care about the West, families, or the future of civilization.