A specially designed, practice-oriented event was held at Veliko Tarnovo University “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” in partnership with Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria. The initiative attracted strong interest from both students and faculty, becoming one of the university’s most attended career events in recent months.

The event, titled “Career Without Pause: Lessons from Entrepreneurship and the Corporate World,” is part of Coca-Cola HBC’s educational program #YouthEmpowered, aimed at developing key skills and supporting young people in their career orientation. The format focused on real business expectations and the connection between academic learning and practical experience.

The guest speaker was Stanislav Iliev, Regional Sales Director at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria. His lecture drew students from various disciplines within the Faculty of Economics, all seeking practical knowledge, real-world examples, and clearer direction for their professional paths—a trend that became evident during the discussions.

Prior to the lecture, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Milena Yorgova, and Prof. Dr. Veneta Hristova, lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management, held a working meeting with Iliev to explore opportunities for future collaboration between the university and the business sector.

“Young people are looking for meaning, clarity, and real-life examples—and for us, it’s a true privilege to be part of that conversation. That’s why we continue to develop #YouthEmpowered and invest time and expertise in initiatives that create value for both sides,” Iliev shared.

During the session, he presented real stories from his professional and personal journey, highlighting practical lessons drawn from different life situations. Key themes included the skills that make a difference in today’s business environment—effective client communication, building trust, teamwork, and sustainable career growth within a dynamic organization.

The event once again highlighted the value of direct interaction between business and academia, reinforcing the idea that practical knowledge and real-world experience are essential for young people’s successful career development. Since the launch of #YouthEmpowered in 2017, nearly 36,000 young people across the country have been trained through the program to support their career start.

The initiative is part of Veliko Tarnovo University’s ongoing efforts to provide relevant and practical education aligned with labor market needs. The partnership with Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria once again proved its effectiveness and importance for students seeking development opportunities within a leading company in the Bulgarian market.