“Career Without Pause” Brings Together Students and Business in One of the Most Attended Career Events at VTU

Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria and Veliko Tarnovo University Demonstrate How Practice and Education Go Hand in Hand

A special event with a strong practical focus took place at Veliko Tarnovo University “St. Cyril and St. Methodius”, in partnership with Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria. The initiative attracted significant interest among students and faculty and became one of the most attended career events at the University in recent months.

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

The guest speaker was Stanislav Iliev, Regional Sales Director at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria. The lecture brought together students from various majors within the Faculty of Economics, who are seeking applicable knowledge, real-life examples, and a clear direction for their professional development - 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 Stanislav Iliev, during which opportunities for future collaboration between the University and the business sector were discussed.

“Young people are looking for meaning, clarity, and real examples - and for us, it is a true privilege to be part of this conversation. That is why we continue to develop #YouthEmpowered and invest time and expertise in meetings that create value for both sides,” said the Regional Sales Director at Coca-Cola HBC Bulgaria.

In front of the students, he shared real stories from his professional and personal journey, as well as practical lessons drawn from various life situations. Among the main highlights were the skills that make a difference in today’s business environment—effective communication with clients, building trust, teamwork, and sustainable career development within a dynamic organization.

The event once again demonstrated the value of direct interaction between business and academia and reinforced the understanding that practical knowledge and real-world experience are key to the successful realization of young people. Since the launch of #YouthEmpowered in 2017, nearly 36,000 young people across the country have been trained through the program to support their successful career start.

The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts of Veliko Tarnovo University “St. Cyril and St. Methodius” to provide relevant and applicable 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 in a company that is a leader in the Bulgarian market.