Messages from the Field

I also made a more realistic self-assessment and realized that some specialized training in coastal engineering would be very helpful for me. Henk Jan Verhagen, who was my host during the conference, advised me about the courses at IHE and I decided to apply. The overall situation in Bulgaria at that time was so bad that it was not possible to attend the course without financial support. Although academically admitted, NFP-fellowships for Bulgarians were not available, so my attendance was not possible. I was advised that special fellowships might become available in the near future.

I had already left the state job and attempted different approaches to survive as a freelance consultant. It was a time full of emotions and excitement because of the political change, though very challenging and even tough with respect to professional realization. When the old political system collapsed in 1989, the financing of the national program for coastal and landslide protection works was cut. It was clear to me that remaining at the state company has no future. As some new private businesses based o –something missing? the use of the coastal resources started to emerge, it looked as if in a short while there would be more work for consultants in the field of hydraulic engineering. This forecast was too optimistic, probably inspired by the expectation of fast positive development. In reality, the period of 7 to 8 years that followed was full of political fights, a breakdown of the country’s economy, and flourishing corruption. The country had to pull trough this illness.

Being busy with everyday problems, I almost forgot about my application to IHE, however the administration of the institute did not and kept their promise to advise me on any possibility to get a special fellowship, which resulted in an opportunity in 1993.

That is how in the spring of 1993 I had to decide, whether I would participate in the international coastal engineering course. I realized that my absence for one year would result in loss of position on the market, but I believed that I would win with this training. Theoretically, this way of thinking was correct, but in practice, it proved not to be that simple. The question was who will recognize you as a qualified engineer or in other words is this extra qualification now really required? However, these thoughts came later.

All the doubts disappeared when the course started. The 11 months at IHE were remarkable and formed the most exciting period of my life. The contact with top professionals in the field of hydraulic and coastal engineering as well as with fellow participants, and the overall atmosphere at the institute made the stay very fruitful and highly enjoyable.

At the end of my study in Delft, I had to make an important decision regarding my further career. I decided to return to my work as a consultant, but I was also offered to represent Ballast Nedam Dredging Company in Bulgaria. This did not look very promising as the dredging market in Bulgaria is too small, but on the other hand, it was a good chance to strengthen my relationship with the Dutch engineering society.

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