We are republishing a Forbes Bulgaria interview with Prof. Momtchil Karpouzanov and Dr. J.D. Mininger. The article was originally published in Bulgarian.
One of the most valuable elements of AUBG’s executive program is the exchange of ideas, practices, and solutions
Interview with Dr. Momtchil Karpouzanov, Academic Director of Graduate Programs and Dr. J.D. Mininger, Provost of the American University in Bulgaria on the occasion of 20 years of the EMBA program.
What was the big idea that started AUBG’s EMBA and how have you changed over these 20 years?
Dr. Momtchil Karpouzanov:
The founding idea and purpose correspond to the university’s mission to educate and train the democratically minded leaders that Bulgaria and the region need.
With the stabilized macroeconomic framework and the prospect of the country’s membership in the EU and NATO, in the first years of the 21st century there is a distinct need for leaders who think in a new way, have a wide range of knowledge and skills to adapt to rapidly changing market demands, societal attitudes and technological capabilities. These managers must share a similar work culture with their colleagues and partners in Europe and around the world and contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy as an investment destination. It is no coincidence that many of the graduates are engaged in managing the regional departments of large international companies.
As a broad-based master’s program in business process management, AUBG’s EMBA program examines the core business functions at the company level. That is why over the years we have been introducing courses that meet the latest market trends and demands such as Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship.
What is the profile of the graduates?
Dr. Momtchil Karpouzanov:
Most are engaged in the country’s most dynamic industries such as ICT, pharmaceuticals, banking and finance, and also in the non-governmental sector. They have an established reputation and are promising for their companies. A significant number also develop original ideas for their own business. Their diverse and rich experience allows them to contribute one of the most valuable elements of the program: the exchange of ideas, practices and solutions experienced in a professional setting.
What are the distinctive features of your graduate community?
Dr. J.D. Mininger:
The EMBA program of the American University in Bulgaria has world-leading teachers who, through their innovative pedagogical style, actively engage our students in their professional, intellectual and personal development. Beyond this expertise, the greatest strength of the program is the magnificent and growing community of alumni who have successfully graduated over the past two decades. The contributions of these leaders in their industries, their involvement in a number of socially significant causes, and their positive influence and example inspire more and more talented professionals to enroll in the program.
What initiatives do you envisage to mark the 20th anniversary of the EMBA?
Dr. Momtchil Karpouzanov:
The team responsible for the EMBA is constantly expanding the range of electives. From this academic year, two courses in psychology are part of the syllabus: “Psychology of creativity” and “Communications, stress and quality of professional life”, developed in cooperation with the Department of Philosophy and Psychology of AUBG. Two certificate programs in cybersecurity and risk management and in leadership and international management will be offered to the business community in the coming months.
Dr. J.D. Mininger:
In September, our anniversary business trip will take us to Bratislava and Vienna for meetings and visits to selected companies and industries. And the culmination of the celebrations will be a gala evening on October 20, where we will celebrate the 20th anniversary with our students, faculty, alumni and friends.
