Alumni Stories: Eyma Georgieva and Post-Graduate Life

Eyma Georgieva is a graduate of AUBG’s Class of 2023. She received two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Journalism and Mass Communication. Eyma described her four-year-long journey in AUBG, mentioning the rollercoaster of emotions she experienced: “The first two years were definitely harder because we were dealing with the COVID-19 situation, but my third and fourth years were the ones that gave me the most opportunities for growth and communication with my colleagues.”

Eyma is from Blagoevgrad, but this did not stop her from experiencing college life. She actively participated in events, ultimately deciding to join the club Olympics in her second year.

“I was sceptical that they were going to accept me, because they did not need a lot of new people when I applied,” Eyma said.

She was accepted, but due to pandemic restrictions, the interaction between the club members happened via Zoom, and she struggled to open up.

“It was once again hard for me to relax and feel comfortable in this crowd because I was really shy at the beginning,” she said.    

However, when the campus started operating normally in her third year, Eyma also got better at mingling with new people.

“It felt like I finally found my place - I started to enjoy the meetings with Olympics, I was excited about the in-person classes, and I was in high spirits to hang out with colleagues that eventually became friends,” Eyma said.

She recalled that year as “the most complete and full of emotions and experiences,” as she tried different things and felt that “everything possible happened” during that time.

Eyma summarised her semesters as “exceptional and unique” as each of them brought long-lasting memories that she will always cherish.

“The experience was worth it for sure, because it was one great opportunity for building my personal character, but it was also an excellent preparation for what would follow after university,” she explained.

Her plan after graduation was simple: go on a Work and Travel program, then come back and start a new job. However, life does not always go to plan, and Eyma experienced it firsthand.

“I had to make a really tough decision: go to the USA for the summer to work, or stay and take the chance to be accepted in the biggest Fintech company in Bulgaria.”

She ultimately chose the second option, despite being fully prepared to leave the country.

“My friend and I had everything – visas, job offers, a place to live, but, sadly, I had to sacrifice the American dream for a bigger and much more important investment – my future,” Eyma said.

 Luckily, things turned out in her favor. After three interviews and a one-month internship at the company's recruitment academy, she received a job offer to join their sales team.

“I was following their development, only daring to dream that I could be a part of their team one day,” Eyma said, explaining how interested she was beforehand, due to the opportunities this position could offer her.

In addition to her responsibilities as a Business Development representative, which include finding the right customers to promote her company’s products, she has her own online fashion page for custom-made designs.

“It really started as a joke because I needed to do something with my hands during the pandemic,” Eyma said.

Her first clients were family members and friends who were pleasantly surprised with her skills. They encouraged her to turn the laid-back activity into something more.

“I would not call it exactly business because I was doing it for my closest ones, but the word was quickly spreading out until it really got to the point of a little business idea,” she said.

Almost 3 years later, this suitable-for-home hobby has become her way of expressing her and other people’s fashion preferences.

“More and more people are asking for customized designs for their clothes, shoes, and accessories, which is equally exciting and responsible,” she said.

Eyma also added that 2023 was a breakthrough year, as her work was recognized by ELLE Bulgaria, which is one of the most famous fashion magazines in the industry.

“This is a dream come true for someone who loves to create fashion pieces. However, for me, it is also a motivation to keep up the good work,” she said.

She mentioned that this transition to a full-time job was smoother for her, thanks to the opportunities that AUBG had to offer.

“Apart from the practical skills and knowledge that I gained, the university taught me how to be persistent and disciplined – qualities without which, I would not have succeeded at all,” Eyma shared.