The fifth anniversary edition of Career Development Day brought together more than 200 students, academic staff and industry representatives at the event center of the ProAuto Multifunctional Complex. Geotrading hosted the event, which it has supported since its very beginning, reaffirming its commitment to the development of young professionals and to the connection between education and business.
The event was opened by Rumyana Ivanova,Chief Executive Officer of Geotrading, with the support of Dr. Eng. Ivan Vutov and Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivaylo Koprev, Rector of the University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”.
Held under the theme “Engineers of the Future: The Road to a Successful Career”, the forum created a platform for meaningful interaction between academic community and business. Through shared experiences, practice-oriented discussions and direct dialogue with leading companies, participants gained valuable insight into career development opportunities in the industry.
Rumyana Ivanova shared the following message with future professionals:
“Development begins with the confidence to take action. Meetings like this provide direction.”
In his speech, Prof. Ivaylo Koprev emphasized the importance of partnerships between universities and businesses as a key factor in the successful professional realization of young people. He also highlighted the beginning of the initiative:
“Five years ago, Dr. Eng. Ivan Vutov believed in this idea, and together we introduced internship programs from the first year of study to give students early guidance and a real connection with the industry.”
The event included two discussion panels focused on key aspects of the professional development of young engineers.
The first panel, “From Student to Professional”, brought together young engineers and university alumni who have already established themselves in the industry. They shared their personal experiences of transitioning from education to practice, the challenges they faced at the beginning of their careers, and the opportunities offered by the sector.
Representatives of leading companies such as Geostroy, Dundee Precious Metals, Asarel-Medet, and Ellatzite-Med took part in the discussion.
The second panel, “Engineers of the Future: Vision and Reality”, focused on the development of the industry and the role of engineering professions in the context of current economic and environmental challenges. The discussion featured Boyan Rashev and Prof. Ivaylo Koprev, who outlined the sector’s prospects and the need for well-prepared and adaptable professionals.
The panels were moderated by BNT journalist Dobrina Cheshmedzhieva, who led the discussions in a dynamic and interactive format.
Leading companies in the sector, including GEOTECHMIN GROUP, Ellatzite-Med, Geostroy, Dundee Precious Metals, and Asarel-Medet, presented real opportunities for internships, scholarships, and career development. The event provided students with direct access to the industry and the opportunity to build professional connections at the very beginning of their career journey.
By hosting Career Development Day, Geotrading further strengthens its long-term commitment to supporting education, developing young talent, and contributing to the sustainable future of the industry in Bulgaria.
