Petia Dimitrova: Our Partnership with “America for Bulgaria” Gives Young People the Opportunity to Stay and Develop in Bulgaria

 
Mrs. Dimitrova, what motivated you to create the initiative “Your Future in Bulgaria” together with “America for Bulgaria” Foundation and what are the program’s main goals?
Before answering your question, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all women on International Women’s Day and wish them personal happiness and professional success.
I also want to thank “24 Chasa” for the opportunity to present the “Your Future in Bulgaria” program together with Mrs. Nancy Schiller. As you mentioned, it has been developed in partnership with the “America for Bulgaria” Foundation and is part of Postbank’s broad portfolio of sustainable financing products, reaffirming our leading position and highlighting our strategic vision.
Today’s world is filled with countless opportunities for professional growth, which can serve as a launching pad for a successful career. Every young person dreams of a career that brings satisfaction, inspiration, and daily challenges. However, reaching this stage requires investment in time and effort—developing skills, acquiring new knowledge, and taking a bold step into the chosen professional field.
Student years are an incredible and memorable adventure, and besides the endless opportunities this life stage offers, choosing the right educational institution and field of study proves to be crucial for future success.
 

What are the eligibility requirements for the program, and how can young doctors and nurses apply?
The program is aimed at students at the American University in Bulgaria pursuing a full-time bachelor’s degree, Fulbright scholarship recipients studying at U.S. universities, as well as medical specialists enrolled in postgraduate medical specialization programs at universities in Bulgaria.
 

What are the key benefits and advantages for participants in “Your Future in Bulgaria”?
First and foremost, by providing financial support, our partnership enables young people to stay and develop in Bulgaria. Specifically, the consumer loan for education offers a fixed interest rate of 6% for the entire loan term, a grace period during studies or specialization, and a repayment period of up to 120 months after the grace period ends. The loan will be provided without fees or commissions and without requiring a guarantor. Additionally, 20% of the loan amount will be reimbursed for each year that specialists work in Bulgaria, for a total period of five years after completing their education or specialization.
 

What are your expectations regarding the program’s impact on the medical community in Bulgaria?
Our society must respect our doctors, nurses, and medical specialists. A few weeks ago, I read a news report about the graduation of students from one of our medical universities, which stated that 74% of graduates plan to work in Bulgaria. I hope that soon the long-standing negative trend of graduates choosing to develop their careers abroad will be sustainably reversed.
 

What is your personal motivation and commitment to retaining young medical professionals in Bulgaria?
As the CEO of Postbank and Chair of the Management Board of the Association of Banks in Bulgaria, I fully recognize the importance of supporting young professionals in critical sectors such as healthcare. My personal motivation comes from the deep belief that investing in young medical professionals is not just support for their careers but a long-term commitment to our future.
Bulgaria has exceptional talent in the field of medicine, but to retain them here, we need not only recognition of their work but also real conditions for professional development and a high quality of life. I believe that every society is only as strong as its key sectors are sustainable and well-developed, and healthcare is one of them.
By creating the “Your Future in Bulgaria” program in partnership with the “America for Bulgaria” Foundation, we aim to provide these talented professionals with the necessary financial support, opportunities for professional development, and incentives that motivate them to build a successful career right here in Bulgaria. This not only strengthens our healthcare system but also contributes to the overall development of our society, ensuring that people have access to quality healthcare provided by specialists who feel valued and motivated to stay in the country.
For me, this program represents our long-term vision for sustainable development—to create opportunities that not only address current challenges but also lay the foundation for a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient society.
 
What are the plans for developing the program, and do you intend to expand it?
Although the program is in its early stages, our vision is to turn it into a long-term initiative with a sustainable impact. We plan to expand its scope by including more medical specialties and educational institutions and increasing the number of scholarships.
Additionally, we are considering partnerships with other organizations and companies that share our mission to extend the program to other sectors where support for young professionals is needed. We believe that through collective efforts, we can create a favorable environment for the development and realization of talent in Bulgaria.
 
How can this program serve as a model for other sectors and initiatives supporting young professionals?
The “Your Future in Bulgaria” program not only provides financial support but also creates real opportunities for young specialists to develop in an environment that values and motivates them. It gives them the confidence to pursue their dreams while also offering the flexibility and stability necessary for their professional realization.
This is an initiative that combines individual success with sustainable societal development by encouraging young talent to stay and contribute to Bulgaria’s future.
The program proves that strategic partnerships between financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, and businesses can effectively address key societal challenges. This model of collaboration has the potential to be applied in other sectors, such as information technology, engineering, or education, where there is also a pressing need to retain and develop young professionals.
By providing targeted financial support, mentorship, and long-term professional opportunities, we can not only encourage young specialists to stay in the country but also turn them into active drivers of positive change. We believe that our initiative will serve as inspiration for other organizations looking to invest in Bulgaria’s future by creating sustainable solutions for the development of young talent and the labor market.
 
Could you share some of Postbank’s other successful initiatives?
As one of the leaders in the financial sector setting trends and shaping the direction of development, Postbank is an active participant in the processes affecting Bulgarian society. We support projects in key areas of public life, such as education, culture, sports, and environmental care. We offer modern solutions, high-tech innovations, and innovative products and services that ensure speed, security, and excellent quality for a seamless banking experience. Our mission is to make banking more accessible, faster, and more secure.
We continue to successfully implement our digital strategy, and we believe that Postbank will soon be transformed into a technology company that provides customers with full control over their finances through intelligent, personalized services.