Kostadin Sorchev
MA Economics and Management
Class of 2016
Recent Business School graduate, Kostadin Sorchev describes how his entrepreneurial start to his career was forged while he was studying at the University of Aberdeen.
Why did you choose to study at Aberdeen?
In 2012, when I was applying to universities, I was accepted in a few different institutions, but I chose Aberdeen because it was highly recommended to me by a friend of mine. Once I did my research about the University I really liked the history and heritage of the institution.
Why did you choose your particular course?
I wanted to pursue a business degree in order to support my family's business and start my own. In my last year of studies, I started a full-time graduate job, as side projects to my job I have been supporting my family's business and recently started my own company. I would not have been able to do all of that if it wasn't for the connections I built as part of my degree in Economics and Management at the University of Aberdeen.
What did you most enjoy about your time at Aberdeen?
The part I enjoyed the most about my time at Aberdeen is the numerous opportunities to make an impact. In my university years, I was actively involved in numerous student societies by organising events, networking with companies and delivering projects. In addition to that, I was also actively helping organise events within the Business School such as the first year induction event which we started in my second year and it still exists after we graduated. I am pleased to see that all the volunteering I did is actually helping people in their academic, social and professional aspects of their lives.
If you were involved in any clubs and societies as a student, what did you enjoy most about them and what benefit do you think they have for students?
The best part about clubs and societies is that you get to meet like-minded people and if you have the same vision you achieve some great things such as organising events attended by more than 300 people, talking to CEOs of large international organisations, brainstorming start-up ideas and seeing start-ups being born out of these and much more. The University of Aberdeen is one of the universities in UK with the most clubs and societies, so there is definitely something for everyone.
What advice would you give to prospective students to help them make the most of their time at the University of Aberdeen?
My best advice to prospective students is my favourite quote that I live by. "Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn." - Benjamin Franklin
I know that your goal is to get a degree, but remember university is so much more. University is a hub for generating big ideas, it is the place to meet amazing people and this is your stepping stone to the future. Make the most of it by trying different things.
What was the title of your first job after graduating from Aberdeen and what did your first role involve?
Data Analyst. My first role was at the company I wrote my dissertation for. My role there involved research and development of a new product that has never been attempted before. I was working in a small team, but in reality I needed to get the entire organisation involved.
What is your current job title and what is your current role?
My current job title is Knowledge Transfer Partner/ Business Development Analyst with ANM Group/University of Aberdeen/Innovate UK. I am doing research and development of new innovative projects within a 140 year old rural business. The goal is to bring the business up to speed with technology.
Please briefly describe the journey from your first job after graduating to where you are now.
My first job was really an entry-level job that only required research skills and stakeholder management. Now my current job is much more responsible as it involves project management, stakeholders management, research, design and so much more. I get to work with multiple organisations and make a significant impact on the business and University of Aberdeen.
Was your degree at Aberdeen essential for getting to where you are now? If so, in what way?
My degree was essential to getting my first job. When I started discussing my dissertation topics with my supervisor Dr Ian Heywood, he told me about a company in Aberdeen in the area of my dissertation topic. I pitched my idea to the company and they liked it and hired me as an intern while I was still at university. Straight after graduation, they offered me a full-time job. In terms of work-related skills, I believe my experience through societies, clubs, part-time jobs and so on played a significant role in my success at landing two graduate jobs.
Please share your one top tip that you think is most important for our current students or recent graduates that will help them when starting out on their career paths.
Don't be afraid to look for the job you like, and as you have probably heard before, if you work at what you like, you won't work a single day. Career paths are all about experience and connections, so make sure you nurture both.
