Lecturer in the Spotlight: Assen Panov

Can you share a bit about your journey leading up to BUas? 

Assen: ‘As a kid, I dreamed of becoming a criminologist or working in CSI. Growing up in Bulgaria during the tumultuous 90s, I saw a lot. On my way to school, I would pass through parks where drug deals were happening. That environment shaped my early interest in justice and law. I never imagined myself becoming a teacher, as the Bulgarian school system, rooted in communist traditions, didn’t make teaching seem appealing at the time.’ 

‘Fast forward, I pursued a study in International & European Law and Politics in the Netherlands, with a minor in Media. I have an IT background, and during my studies, I realised how intertwined media, justice, and technology were becoming. This sparked a passion project called “On the EU Road”, a documentary series exploring the concept of European citizenship from political, legal, social, and academic perspectives. With my project I was the Dutch National Winner of the Charlemagne Youth Prize Competition.’ 

‘After my studies, I returned to Bulgaria, where I worked on creating a new TV channel, documentaries, and brand development. I worked as an executive producer on popular shows and series, including Big Brother. But the demanding nature of that career left me little time for family. After receiving a job offer in Luxembourg, my partner and I decided to move there, and I spent five years working as an international media production manager.’  

'But through all these experiences, one thing stuck with me. Education profoundly impacts who people become. I wanted to contribute to creating better, more critical thinkers. That brought me back to the Netherlands, where BUas stood out with its innovative, international approach to media education.’  

What do you like about working in education? 

Assen: ‘I like the prospect of inspiring someone to do something they wouldn’t have dared to before. If I can help even one person become more curious, motivated, and critical in their thinking, I have done my job. Teaching isn’t just about imparting knowledge. It is about opening minds to new possibilities and perspectives.’ 

Who has been your biggest influence in your career? 

Assen: ‘At different stages of my life, there have been different influences. I like to think about it like the book I once read, “The Five People You Meet in Heaven". (The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom tells the story of Eddie, a war veteran and amusement park maintenance worker who dies trying to save a child. In the afterlife, Eddie meets five people who significantly impacted his life or whose lives he influenced, even in ways he didn’t realize. Through these encounters, Eddie learns profound lessons about forgiveness, love, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of human experiences. The book emphasizes the idea that every life matters and is intertwined with others in meaningful ways, ed.) Some people leave a profound impact on you without you even realising it.’ 

‘As a student, my teachers, many of whom were prominent professionals, inspired me. They showed me that education could be dynamic, engaging, and deeply relevant. I have tried to carry that into my own teaching.’  

What aspects of working at BUas do you find most fulfilling? 

Assen: ‘For me, this isn’t just a job, it is a way to contribute to a society that sometimes feels lost. BUas allows me to work on exciting projects, guiding students to think independently and critically. The most fulfilling part is seeing people grow, whether they are students or colleagues.’ 

What advice would you give to students who want to make it in the media industry? 

Assen: ‘Start by questioning your motivations. Once you have clarity, challenge yourself daily. Be creative, innovative, dynamic, and constructively confrontational. The media industry thrives on pushing boundaries, and true success comes from embracing continuous learning and growth.’  

‘Success isn’t measured by titles or salaries, it is about being happy with your choices and valuing your time, the one resource that money can’t buy.’