Bulgaria: career insights for Roma youth 

Pernik and Breznik, Bulgaria: 9 and 10 April, 2024 

Today, choosing the right career is critical to personal and professional growth. However, the variety of options available these days can be a challenge for students to make an informed decision about their future career. To help learners make the best choice, the Regional Youth Center organized training on the topic: ‘What job should I choose?’. 

It was held in two schools in Pernik and Breznik and aimed to provide valuable information as well as guidance to students who are at a crossroads for their future development. The guest lecturer in the training was the journalist of Roma origin Valeri Lekov. Known from the broadcast of the program ‘Hristo Botev’ on the Bulgarian National Radio, where he tells stories about colorful people and places all over Bulgaria. Lekov is the main character in the documentary ‘Rome Quixote’ directed by Nina Pehlivanova and Petya Nakova. He has roles in feature films and directs them himself. He led a theater troupe and does a lot of other interesting things, for which it is not clear how he finds time! He told the students about his journey, the stereotypes and prejudices towards Roma in Bulgaria. 

The first part of the training was devoted to self-assessment and understanding the students’ interests. We introduced them to various tools and exercises that helped them identify their strengths, skills and values. We also discussed the importance of finding a connection between their interests and potential careers. This session was essential as it set the stage for making informed career decisions 

We then moved on to researching the chosen job and the labor market. We helped students understand more about the various aspects of a job such as day-to-day tasks, required skills and competencies, educational qualifications, etc. We also introduced them to a variety of online resources and tools they can use to research potential careers and gain insight into current job market trends. 

This session enabled students to gain a clearer understanding of different career paths and assess their potential for growth and development. The third session of the training focused on the education and qualifications required for the various occupations. We discussed the different types of educational institutions, courses and programs. We also emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional development to maintain a competitive edge in the chosen field. 

Our training provided a comprehensive view of the decision-making process for a future profession. Through a combination of interactive activities, discussions and presentations, we were able to inform students of the necessary knowledge and skills they need to have in order to make informed decisions about their future development. 

One of the parts of the training that sparked real interest among the learners was related to the professions of the future. A virtual reality designer stood out among the most interesting, as well as specialists in alternative energy sources; digital currency experts; artificial intelligence specialists; gamifier; online therapist; telesurgery operator; designer of cyberorganisms; climate change specialist; drone operator for underground tunnels; architect of ‘green’ cities; nanorobot designer; teacher chatbot developer; or human-machine interaction expert.