Why did you choose Mechatronics, and what was most interesting to you during your studies at school?

I've been interested in electrical engineering and electronics since I was a child - these areas of science attract me. When I was a little boy, maybe somewhere in the 5th grade, my father had left a book on electrical engineering in a prominent place at home. Since I didn't watch much TV or movies, I had a lot of free time, and once, while I was bored, I opened the book. I started reading; it became interesting to me, and finally I read it. Since then, I've really been passionate about it. And by the way, the men in my family, going back 2 generations, have been involved in electrical engineering. My grandfather was an electrician and power engineer; he even worked here many years ago. My father also practices this profession and has always been a strong supporter of me continuing with this specialty. And so I embarked on this journey.

While I was studying Mechatronics in vocational school, the focus was mainly on CNC machines and metalworking - in short, CNC metal cutting machines. I was most interested in how the control of the machine heads and, in general, the control over the machine itself, the program... That’s why I finally decided to get into automation.

This is not your first contact with VIDEOTON Bulgaria - what do you remember from your student practice here, and what made the strongest impression on you then?

Oh, a lot of things, but overall, one machine made the strongest impression on me - the person who created it had put an incredible amount of effort, thought, knowledge, and skill into it. I hope to have that knowledge and skill someday.

Why did you choose to apply for our internship program?

 Mainly because of the colleagues I met then and with whom I have worked now: they are incredible professionals – very experienced and dedicated to their work (note: Veniamin is an intern in the “Production Technologies, Development and Implementation” department of our electromechanical assembly division). They are extremely positive, and there is a lot to learn from them. Their work is creative, responsible, and highly professional. What I mean by this: the machines they have created are invented and made in such a way that it is almost impossible to break down under normal circumstances. What’s more, in this team, no task is ever left unfinished - they see every one of them through to the very end.

Now, from the perspective of someone who has already graduated from a vocational high school, do you think there is a difference in the role of a student in practice and an intern who actually works in a team?

Definitely. The work that you are assigned as a student is not in the same form – you are basically observing. When I came for an internship, I literally immersed myself in the real activities of the team. I understood first-hand what my colleagues actually perform as functions and tried to step “into their shoes”. In this way, being involved in the process, I gained real experience, because I became part of the team, with specific responsibilities and tasks that I had to follow and perform.

Was there anything about the job that seemed easy from the outside, but turned out to be quite different when you did it yourself?

 Of course, like any job (note: he laughs). Basically, I came with previous experience: I worked in a company where we built control transformer stations for solar panels. My job there was to wire controllers. I came here with the confidence that I knew how to do it. Well, in the end it turned out not to be exactly like that... I quickly realized that there was a specificity here that I had to learn, because a lot of creativity and thought was invested in adapting this same activity to specific conditions and situations.

How did you feel to be part of the team and what helped you adapt the most to the work environment?

 My colleagues are the main "culprits" for my quick adaptation. Besides the fact that they are fantastic professionals, they are also very positive individuals who put you at ease and make you feel like one of them. In addition, their passion for work definitely captivated me and motivated me to give my best, to try to complete the assigned tasks properly and on time.

What is the most important new thing you learned during this internship?

Professionally, I can point out a few things: for example, here I learned how to diagnose printed circuit boards without a schematic - identifying faulty elements on the board, and I also supplemented my knowledge of pneumatics. In addition, the fact that I have found myself among such incredible professionals motivates me to try to surpass myself... I am convinced that this will help me in the future, both personally and professionally.

What's next for you now, after completing your internship?

I am about to study at a university – I have chosen the bachelor's degree in "Automation and Information Management Technology" at the Technical University of Sofia, Plovdiv Branch. I have the ambition to continue with a master's degree, and why not a doctorate, but until then there is time; we'll see.

And how do you imagine your professional development after graduation?

 In exactly the similar team and type of work, if not the same... Because here I really saw first-hand what the workplace I wanted to have - starting with professionalism, going through the team spirit and the excellent atmosphere.

 If you have to describe this internship to a friend in a few words, what would you tell him?

It is definitely a challenge to go from a student practice to a real internship, but it is worth every minute! I appreciate the fact that I got the unique chance to be part of such a close-knit team of excellent experts who are ready to teach you and share their knowledge and skills. It is an incredible feeling to be in such a supportive environment and to do what you have dreamed of. But it certainly requires dedication and a desire to develop yourself – you must be ready to make the necessary efforts and get the best out of the practice.