Today, we meet Mihail Mihaylov, one of our IT interns, who shares why hands-on experience is so important to him and the key lessons he will carry with him long after his internship ends.

Mihail is a fourth-year Software Engineering student at Trakia University and is currently completing his pre-graduation internship in VIDEOTON Bulgaria. Upon successfully finishing his internship, he will move on to the final stage of his bachelor's degree - preparing and defending his graduation thesis. He plans to continue his education by pursuing a master's degree in Automation and Computer Systems at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology in Yambol.

Here's what he shared about his “journey” with us:

What were your first impressions of VIDEOTON Bulgaria?

“At first, I was truly impressed by the sheer scale of the company - there are so many people working here…. At the same time, everything runs smoothly. A wide variety of processes take place simultaneously, from production and administration to many supporting activities, yet everyone knows their role and stays focused on their own responsibilities. It creates a sense of calm and order, as if everything flows seamlessly and effortlessly.”

How did your teammates welcome you?

“They gave me a very warm welcome, and I’m really happy that we get along so well. They’ve been showing me a lot of interesting things and are always willing to answer my questions. The best part is that they’re extremely experienced, so I have the opportunity to learn a great deal from them. And I definitely want to absorb as much practical knowledge as I can while I’m here.”

What do you want to learn from them?

“I wouldn’t say there’s one specific thing. Rather, I hope to gain experience in every aspect - not only in technical and professional skills, but also in teamwork, workplace relationships, work habits, discipline, and what it’s like to be part of such a large team. I’m fully aware that wherever my career takes me in the future, this experience will be invaluable.”

How do you imagine your future after graduation?

“My first goal is to continue my education with a Master’s degree, most likely at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology in Yambol, which is part of Trakia University. I’m currently considering the Engineering program in Automation and Computer Systems, but we’ll see. My main goal is to deepen my knowledge because my interests go beyond software alone—I’m also very interested in hardware.”

How would you describe yourself in three words?

“That’s a difficult question… Sometimes I’d describe myself as a little lazy when it comes to things that don’t really capture my interest,” he laughs. “But I’m definitely curious about anything that genuinely fascinates me. I’d also add “persistent” and “goal-oriented”. Once I become interested in a topic - whether it’s VPNs, operating systems, or something else - I can spend endless hours researching it until I’ve explored every possible angle and satisfied my curiosity. In short, I like seeing things through to a successful conclusion whenever I’m passionate about them. I believe that quality will be a real asset in my professional career.”

What is your strongest personal quality that will help you professionally in the future?

“I think I’m sociable and able to communicate with almost anyone. Being able to communicate easily can open many doors.”

What motivates you the most: new challenges, teamwork, the opportunity to learn new things, or something else?
“The opportunity to learn new things, above all else. For me, that’s the driving force behind personal and professional growth.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?
“It may sound a bit ordinary, but I’ll be happy if I have a stable job that gives me a sense of fulfilment, along with a happy family of my own.”

If you had to describe your internship here in three words, what would they be?

“Definitely interesting and valuable. There’s so much to learn across a wide range of areas - not only highly specialized knowledge related to my future profession, but also broader insights, such as how a large manufacturing company with a long history and thousands of employees operates. On top of that, it’s a solid stepping stone forward - first toward graduation, and then toward a real professional career.”