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What It Means to “See” the Data: Insights from Two Leading Bulgarian Experts

A great data analyst doesn’t just process numbers. They uncover patterns, ask the right questions, and translate complexity into clear insights. And above all, they know how to extract meaning from what, at first glance, looks like nothing more than tables, charts, and chaos.

But what does it take to reach that level?

To explore how the field is evolving, we spoke with Rosen Rankov, Data & Analytics Manager at MentorMate, and Zlatka Staykova, data scientist with a PhD from the University of Hamburg. Both are lead trainers in Telerik Academy’s Upskill Data Analyst program, where they help shape the next generation of data professionals.

Please introduce yourselves briefly. What is your professional background?

Rossen:

My name is Rosen and I lead the Data & Analytics teams at MentorMate. I’m a technical person with over 15 years of experience in data management, ETL/ELT processes, data architectures, performance issues, as well as migrations to the public cloud.
    
I’ve been working with data since my school years. I loved understanding business decisions and discovering new potential opportunities through data. I later graduated from the Technical University of Sofia and completed a master’s degree at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski.”

One of my biggest inspirations was one of the most motivating teachers I’ve ever had – Georgi Georgiev from FMI who helped me further develop my potential. During my master’s, I had the chance to learn from the most experienced technical people in the data industry and immediately apply what I learned in my company at the time.

Overall, I studied and worked, experimented in test environments, and received tremendous support from colleagues, teachers, and friends. A year or two later at HP, I met some of my best friends (back then we were just colleagues), with whom I’m still part of the same team today. We’ve been through everything together – sleepless weekends of work, critical environment crashes, performance issues, escalations, but also long nights out (you can’t work all the time) and celebrations.

Zlati:

I’m Zlatka, and I’ve been working with data for more than two decades. I like to think of myself as an enthusiastic and energetic person. I try to stay curious and put on the “beginner’s glasses” from time to time since beginners often notice what others overlook.

My PhD is what pulled me deep into data analysis actually. Particle accelerators and detectors generate enormous volumes of data (later called Big Data). And it’s statistical analysis that reveals “the particle.” That’s where my journey as a data analyst really began. The only difference is what kind of data you’re working with — whether it’s governed by the laws of nature or the laws of the private sector: sales, marketing, sociology… It’s all fascinating. Every dataset carries meaning and energy.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start a career in data analysis today?

Rosen:

My advice is simple: your time is your most valuable resource. You’re already late — don’t waste another day dreaming or discussing it. Sit down and start learning.
Together with Telerik Academy, we created a highly effective program for quickly building practical skills in the data world — Upskill Data Analyst. It’s based on real industry experience and a clear vision for the future. Yes, there are many courses and academies out there. But where else will you meet trainers with such hands-on expertise, so much accumulated knowledge, and a strategic understanding of where the industry will be five years from now?

We’re in the IT consulting business; we know exactly what the market needs.

Zlati:

I would say two things:

First — never lose your curiosity. That childlike curiosity that makes you ask questions and dig deeper.

Second — don’t be afraid. These are just numbers, and deep down, numbers always make sense.

What motivates you to teach at Telerik Academy? What does working with learners give you?

Rosen:

This is my third year in a row as a lead trainer, and I know it won’t be easy, but the satisfaction at the end of the program is incredible. Seeing how people grow in just three months, how far they’ve come, what they’ve learned… that’s priceless.

Why Telerik Academy? I get strong support to make it happen; excellent candidate selection, and I work with people who truly want to learn. We grab drinks together, exchange ideas, and sometimes we even discover future colleagues for our team. In this business, trust and responsibility are everything.

What I love most is how open the learners are: they ask questions, share their experiences, and genuinely want to dig deeper into the world of data. The program isn’t run by me alone. It’s built on the collective expertise of an entire data team. We’re perfectly synchronized, and the lectures and exercises are structured professionally.

Zlati:

Teaching has always attracted me. Even in the academic world, I assisted my advisors in training new students. I believe the path to a better world goes through constant, uncompromising learning.

And guiding someone through the “scary world” of statistics, then seeing them come out curious, confident, and enriched — that’s a wonderful feeling. So when Rosen invited me to join, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I didn’t even need to sleep on it! I was ready to jump in the very next day.

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