‘My Dream Is to Help as Many People as Possible, Making the World a Healthier and Happier Place’
Nikolay Bogdanov, 28, from Sofia, Bulgaria, graduated from the Psychology programme of the HSE Faculty of Social Sciences in 2022. Currently, he is based in the Netherlands, where he pursues a master's degree in behavioural sciences at Radboud University and works as a life coach. In an interview with the HSE News Service, Nikolay shares his experience at HSE University, his professional challenges and achievements, as well as the importance of teamwork, persistent curiosity, and self-improvement.
— Tell us about your work.
— At present, I am deeply involved in work that focuses on social relationships, account management, and life coaching.
I found my current job through a combination of networking and my passion for helping people navigate their personal and professional challenges
It wasn't easy, but I felt drawn to this field because it perfectly aligns with my interests and the skills I acquired during my studies at HSE.
My job responsibilities include coaching individuals to achieve their personal and professional goals, managing client relationships, and creating personal development strategies.
The most exciting part of my job is the opportunity to model human behaviour, communicate with a wide range of people, and help them solve their personal and professional challenges. The most difficult part, however, is constantly adapting to the unique needs of each person, which requires a great deal of emotional intelligence and flexibility.
One of my proudest achievements is helping my clients build confidence to overcome significant personal and professional barriers. Each success story reinforces my belief in the importance of my work.
— Are you a team player?
— Absolutely. My background as a rugby captain has shaped my approach to teamwork, teaching me the importance of unity, strategy, and resilience. Leading a team on the field involves clear communication, understanding individual strengths, and ensuring everyone works toward a common goal—skills that are directly transferable to any work environment.
As a new employee, I brought this spirit into my professional life, always being supportive, motivating others, and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.
I learned that the success of any team relies on collaboration and the ability to adapt and make quick decisions together under pressure, much like in sports
— What subjects taught at HSE University do you consider to be the most valuable for your work?
— Throughout my professional career, I have found both theoretically and practically oriented subjects at HSE to be highly valuable.
Courses like social psychology, cognitive psychology, and interpersonal communication laid the foundational knowledge that I continue to use daily
These subjects provided me with a deep understanding of human behaviour, cognitive processes, and the dynamics of human interactions—skills that are essential in my current job.
At the same time, practically oriented subjects such as research methods, data analysis, and psychological diagnostics were equally significant. They equipped me with the tools to critically evaluate information, conduct meaningful research, and apply psychological principles in real-world settings. These skills have proven to be invaluable in bridging the gap between theory and practice, enabling me to understand my clients better and devise effective strategies tailored to their needs.
Combining theoretical and practical elements has been crucial to my professional development, allowing me to approach challenges with both a scientific mindset and a practical perspective
The skills that I obtained at university are my willingness to learn, adaptability, and strong interpersonal and communication skills; all of which help me better understand and connect with people.
One of the most valuable lessons I took home from HSE was to always stay curious and never stop learning. Life itself is an endless school.
— Who were the teachers/professors who inspired and supported you mostly and why?
— Reflecting on my time at HSE, I remember the professors who made a profound impact on my education. Leonid Grebnev was instrumental in encouraging me to overcome language barriers and engage fully with my studies. My classmate Timofey Berezner and my research supervisor Sergey Kurginyan also provided exceptional support and guidance. Their influence taught me the value of perseverance and embracing challenges. Here, we must mention remarkable professors like Anatoly Skvortsov (Clinical Psychology & Psychopathology), Vladimir Shadrikov (Work Psychology and Pedagogy), Igor Utochkin (Cognitive Psychology), and Dmitry Leontiev, who all provided unique insights and inspired my journey.
— What was it like living and working in Moscow?
— Living and working in Moscow was a transformative experience that shaped who I am today.
The city's vibrant energy, diverse culture, and dynamic environment pushed me out of my comfort zone, fostering personal and professional growth
I cherish the memories of the lively streets, the blend of history and modernity, and the engaging discussions with fellow students and professors at HSE. The friendships and sense of community I found there are irreplaceable. I often feel nostalgic for the city that became a second home, filled with opportunities, challenges, and a unique vibe that I miss every day.
I’ve stayed in touch with friends from my programme, other faculties, and even some of my professors.
— What are your plans for the future?
— My immediate plans include completing my research master's, continuing my personal development, and enjoying the challenging road ahead.
My biggest professional dream is to help as many people as possible, making the world a healthier and happier place.
— What advice would you give to HSE students looking to start their career path?
— My advice to HSE students would be to listen to their inner voice and pursue something that aligns with their personal interests.
Combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills, along with consistency and persistence, is key to success
Keep learning with an open heart, embrace the challenges, and remember that it’s all about life, not just grades. Every day is a school of life, and even in difficult times, it is essential to smile back and keep moving forward. Always remember the wise Russian saying ‘Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.’ Believe in yourself, pursue your interests, and remember that you are studying not for school, but for life. These words, embedded in HSE's very own motto, will always serve as a reminder of the importance of genuine curiosity and self-improvement.