Career in IT. Is now the right time

About the event

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the way software is built and raising big questions about the future of IT careers. At the same time, we hear more and more about a “slowdown” or even a “crisis” in the IT job market in Bulgaria. Hiring is becoming more selective, expectations toward candidates are rising, and the role of AI is reshaping how developers work, especially at the entry level.

And yet, the bigger picture tells a different story. IT remains a key driver of innovation and growth across every industry. Digital transformation is accelerating, demand for tech talent continues to exist, and new roles are emerging - often requiring a different, more advanced skill set.

So, what does this mean for you:

Should you start a career in IT today?
Will AI replace junior developers or redefine what it means to be one?
Is there still demand for entry-level talent, and what skills actually matter?

Save the date, April 29, and join us online to hear insights from leading industry experts from top tech companies and organizations outside the IT sector that are actively hiring software talent. Learn what’s really happening in the market, what companies expect, and how to position yourself for a successful start.

Program

13:00–13:10 – Opening & Market Overview: IT in 2026: Myths vs Reality

What’s really happening in the IT job market
Outlook for growth and new job opportunities
Hiring trends for junior professionals

Speakers:
Alexandra Mechkova – CEO, Telerik Academy
Krum Hadzhigeorgiev – CEO, BASSCOM

13:10–13:35 – Panel Discussion: Will AI Replace Junior Developers? How to Start in IT Today

How AI is changing the work of developers
Is there a shift in demand for junior talent?
What skills are expected from entry-level candidates today?
What makes a competitive junior profile in 2026?
The role of training and practical learning in an AI-driven world

Panelists:
Liliya Messechkova – SVP, Product, Digital Experience, Progress
Lazar Agatonovic – CTO, Amusnet
Svetoslav Spasov – CEO, KPMG Delivery Network
Alexandra Mechkova – CEO, Telerik Academy

13:35–13:55 – Panel Discussion: IT talent – a key role in every company and industry

Why companies outside the IT sector hire software engineers
The growing need for tech talent across industries
What tech roles exist in non-IT organizations
What projects and technologies are used
Entry-level opportunities and required skills

Panelists:
Yordanka Kostova – General Manager HR, Postbank
Galina Chuleva – CHRO, Yettel
Chavdar Iglev – Head of Digital Innovation Lab, Coca Cola Hellenic

Moderator: Mary Ivanova – Editor, Capital

The event will be held in Bulgarian.

The webinar is free, but registration is required.

Participants

Alexandra Mechkova

CEO,
Telerik Academy

Contributed to the success of:
Telerik, Progress, Telerik Academy

Alexandra has 15+ years of experience in the technology sector. In the last 6 years, as CEO of Telerik Academy, she transformed the organization into a profitable and growing company with global aspirations, and numerous recognitions as a Leading Company and Employer. She has been recognized as a Female Leader by Forbes and as “CEO of the Year” by b2b Media Group.

Krum Hadzhigeorgiev

Chairman of the Board,
BASSCOM

Contributed to the success of:
Kin+Carta, BASSCOM, BRAIT, Melon

Krum is Chairman of the Board of BASSCOM, Board Member of BRAIT, and one of Bulgaria’s prominent technology entrepreneurs. His professional career is closely linked to the digital transformation consulting company Kin+Carta, where he served until recently as Executive Director for Southeast Europe. He is also a co-founder of Melon, a Bulgarian software company with 300 engineers, which joined Kin+Carta in 2022.

Galina Chuleva

CHRO,
Yettel

Contributed to the success of:
Telenor, Leo Burnett

In her role at Yettel Galina oversees teams dedicated to people and performance management, corporate culture, and organizational design to drive business success. She holds a master's degree in economics from the American University, Washington DC, USA, and is an alumna of the American University in Bulgaria.

Lilia Messechkova

SVP, Product, Digital Experience
Progress

Contributed to the success of:
Progress

Lilia has nearly 20 years of experience in digital business solutions. Leading a team of over 300, she drives strategic product development. Joining then Telerik, now Progress as a developer in 2011, she advanced through various leadership roles. She holds degrees in Informatics and e-business/e-government from Sofia University and is passionate about supporting tech talent, drawing inspiration from her team's energy.

Lazar Agatonovic

CTO
Amusnet

Contributed to the success of:
Amusnet, N47, BMW Group

As CTO of Amusnet, he leads engineering, platform architecture, and delivery of scalable, high-performance systems. Previously, he was VP of Engineering at N47 AG, scaling teams and improving delivery, and a Solution Architect at BMW AG, contributing to global car-sharing initiatives. He also has strong experience in payments and fintech, building reliable, secure, and scalable systems.

Yordanka Kostova

General Manager HR
Postbank

Contributed to the success of:
Postbank, Municipal Bank, Bulgarian Stock Exchenge

Yordanka Kostova is General Manager Human Resources at Postbank with over 15 years of experience in the banking sector. She specializes in HR, talent management, and employer branding. She plays a key role in organizational transformation, driving HR strategies that support business growth and team integration, and has led award-winning initiatives, including securing the prestigious Top Employer certification for Postbank.

Svetoslav Spasov

CEO
KMPG Delivery Network Bulgaria

Contributed to the success of:
KPMG Delivery Network, KPMG IT Service, Unicredit Bulbank

With nearly 20 years in IT and consulting, Svetoslav is a leader focused on digital transformation, AI, and innovation. He has grown the company into a global partner for KPMG firms, delivering technology consulting and software solutions. Leading 500+ experts, he believes AI will drive the next tech revolution and that strong teams are at the heart of innovation.

Chavdar Iglev

Head of Digital Innovation Lab
Coca-Cola HBC

Contributed to the success of:
Coca-Cola HBC

Chavdar is an IT and digital transformation executive with nearly 20 years at Coca-Cola Hellenic. As Head of the Digital Innovation Lab, he leads innovation across 29 countries, driving the exploration and scaling of high-potential ideas into business outcomes. He brings strong expertise in enterprise technologies (SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft, WordPress) and a proven track record in building and scaling digital commerce solutions across D2C, B2C, and B2B.

Moderator

Mery Ivanova

Business Journalist
Capital

Contributed to the success of:
Capital

Mary Ivanova is a business journalist at Capital, where she covers the local technology scene. She is also Content and Experience Manager for the events of Economedia, the media group behind Capital, Dnevnik, and Digitalk. She holds a degree in Politics from UCL.

Career in IT. Is now the right time?

We are looking forward to see you!