As part of its commitment to attract new talent into the sector, ABB Bulgaria plays a key role in the Jürgen Dormann Foundation (JDF), which awards annual scholarships to engineering students who need financial assistance to continue their studies.
Scholars, mentors, university representatives and JDF scholarship coordinators met at a networking event organized by the Rakovski branch of ABB Bulgaria on August 18, 2021, to celebrate the seventh consecutive year of the JDF program in Bulgaria. The event was an opportunity for members to come together and share valuable experiences and discuss ideas for the future.
The Scholarship Meeting took place after the biennial International JDF scholar meeting, which for the first time was held as a virtual event with scholars from nine countries participating. Seven Bulgarian scholars took part in the international meeting, discussing key topics such as sustainability and energy efficiency with Björn Rosengren, Chief Executive Officer of ABB, and Theodor Swedjemark, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer and Chairman of the JDF board, who also shared some valuable insights into ABB’s business and overall company goals.
"I am extremely grateful to everyone related to the scholarship during these 7 years, both from the global Foundation team and especially from the local team - the coordinators of the program and the mentors in it. Despite the challenges, we manage to select scholars each year to become part of the global JDF and ABB family. Collaboration with these young and talented future engineers is inspiring, full of new knowledge and experiences, but also with a lot of hope and faith for a better future”, said Viktoria Chorbadzhiyska, Country Human Resources Manager at ABB Bulgaria.
A highlight of the Rakovski branch event was the Mentorship Dialog, in which scholars, alumni and their mentors exchanged experiences, projects, ideas, and best practices from their professional and academic experience. Some of the earlier scholars assumed the role of mentors for a day to the newly selected scholars, having gained valuable experience over the years.
The one-day hybrid event ended with a cocktail evening, where the JDF community was invited to the Hotel Imperial Plovdiv. Mentors, university representatives and JDF coordinators received letters of recognition from the Jürgen Dormann Foundation Board for their valuable contribution to the development of the program in Bulgaria.
"I am very happy with the partnership between the Technical University - Sofia and its branch in Plovdiv and ABB, which for 7 consecutive years supports young talented students who are developing in the field of engineering. I hope that we will continue to actively assist in the development of future workforce”, said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Nikola Shakev, Deputy Director of the Technical University - Sofia, Plovdiv branch.
Since the start of the program in Bulgaria in 2014, the JDF Scholarship has been awarded to 19 students with various engineering profiles from the Technical University of Sofia and its branch in Plovdiv. The scholarship is awarded to first- or second-year engineering students, who need financial assistance to complete their studies. Students also have the opportunity to work with a mentor from ABB for the duration of their studies. An opportunity for a summer internship in the company is provided, as well as access to an online English course.
