UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS – VARNA: TEACHING BUSINESS

With a history that spans over a century, the University of Economics – Varna is an example for an educational institution that is always in line with the times. Today, managed by the young and ambitious rector, Prof Evgeni Stanimirov, PhD, it offers topical educational programmes, strong connection with the business and special focus on foreign students. Prof Stanimirov elaborates.

What does modern economics education look like, according to the University of Economics – Varna?

The changes that we see, mainly social and technological ones, significantly impacted the educational processes. It is perfectly clear to everyone already that the students who are currently at the universities in the future are going to change not only their jobs, but also their professions. The rapid introduction of AI is rewriting the "rules of the game." This concerns both education and follow-up qualification and prequalification. All prognoses about how education will develop in the next 10-20 years are speculative because no-one is aware of the parameters of the future educational and work models. Contemporary economics education is extremely dynamic and the changes it goes through are not only in the curricula and subjects. First and foremost, they are connected to targeted building of entrepreneurial culture and of developing key competencies such as communication skills, working with people, ability for quick adaptation and others.

Why is it crucial for the successful development of students' future businesses?

Economics education and the competencies it builds are key as they provide a solid foundation for entrepreneurial culture, and not only. In 2022, the University of Economics – Varna started its own entrepreneurial accelerator, UEVA. The ideas of the first 8 students' teams are already supported by their mentors. Moreover, 56% of our faculty have their own businesses or consult businesses. In our innovative platform for cooperation with the business, UEBN, over 3,000 companies are registered; students can do traineeships there. This means that we, at the university, do not talk about business in principle. Business is present in the university on a daily basis and a significant part of the classes are led by business representatives. There is no better way for our students to quickly adapt to the work environment.

What are the most popular programmes in the university and why?

Traditionally, in high demand are programmes such as Accountancy and Auditing, Accountancy and Finance, Marketing, Digital Media and PR, Finance, Commodities Science and Customs Activity, Logistics, Informatics and Computer Sciences. Currently, during the early admission process, we see that the trend continues: the most significant interest is in Accountancy and Auditing, Digital Media and PR, Marketing, and Informatics and Computer Sciences. What is the explanation for this demand? To a significant degree, the market determines what young people seek. They are very pragmatic and quickly pick up professions and subjects that provide them with excellent career start and future professional development.

Varna, 77 Knyaz Boris I Blvd

phone: +359 52 800 890

infocenter@ue-varna.bg

www.ue-varna.bg