Petya Kalcheva went from teaching maths to building software, carrying with her a belief that learning should always have meaning. At the Financial Times, she’s advanced from junior to mid-level engineer, contributed to new product development, and embraced mentoring and collaboration. Beyond engineering, Petya is an ambassador for the Women Who Grow community in Sofia, supporting women returning to work and building confidence through shared experiences. Her story shows how career change, resilience, and community can shape not only professional success but also personal growth.
Tell us about your path to becoming a Software Engineer at the FT — what sparked your move into tech?
Before joining the FT and entering the tech sector, I spent years as a maths teacher and ran a private education centre focused on nurturing curiosity in maths and informatics. I’m passionate about lifelong development, creative collaboration, and empowering women, especially those returning to work after career breaks.
Your career path is quite unique — from teaching maths to building software. Can you share how that journey unfolded?
When I became a teacher, I was struck by how little school has changed despite the world transforming rapidly. Students no longer needed teachers to be sources of facts. They needed guides who could spark curiosity and help them grow with purpose. That experience gave me two important insights: education must evolve, and learning only works when it has meaning. That belief eventually guided my return to software engineering, where I carried the same philosophy forward.
What attracted you to the Financial Times, and why did you decide to join?
What drew me to the Financial Times was its mission: to help people understand information and see the bigger picture. Even though I’m not a journalist, I contribute to this purpose by building tools and products that give readers clarity in a complex world. For me, joining the FT wasn’t just a career change. It was a way to keep pursuing meaningful growth, both for myself and others.
How has your role at FT evolved, and what have been some highlights along the way?
I started as a Junior Engineer and later on progressed to mid position. I am part of New Product Development and maintaining the Sustainable Views title of the FT Group. What excites me most is the variety of projects I’ve been part of. Each one has kept me learning and growing. These are the ones that have been most meaningful for me:
- As a junior, I had the chance to join a project from scratch and was trusted to contribute from day one. The confidence and trust I was given at the very start of my journey at FT were colossal and shaped how I approach my work today.
- I’ve also been involved in large-scale migrations that affected several teams. What impressed me most was the collaboration throughout. The way lessons learned were openly shared and how every decision was taken with respect and consideration for all.
- Mentoring programs and initiatives at FT have been another highlight. They open endless opportunities to gain knowledge from others and to give back. Learning here truly feels endless.
- And beyond engineering, I had the joy of organising an event for FT kids around Christmas, with the incredible support of my colleagues. It was unforgettable, not only for me but for my children who made new friends that day.
How would you describe FT’s culture, and how has it supported your growth?
The FT has been instrumental in creating an inclusive environment where women including working mothers like me are seen, heard, and supported. From flexible working policies to open conversations around wellbeing and career progression, I’ve been encouraged to shape my path while staying true to my values.
I’ve also been fortunate to work in a mostly female engineering team which is a rarity in IT. This environment is not only inspiring but empowering, reminding me daily that diversity fuels creativity, and representation matters. It’s not just about code; it’s about people, perspective, and evolving together.
You recently started volunteering as an FT ambassador for the Women Who Grow community in Sofia. What does this role mean to you, and why did you take it on?
For me, the Women Who Grow network is deeply personal. Coming back to work after years of raising children, while going through a divorce, was a hard reset. What helped me most was the community of women around me: those who believed in me, shared their experiences, and reminded me that progress is possible at any stage. Becoming an FT ambassador means standing up for those moments when women doubt themselves and reminding them that with support, they can thrive.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career change?
Find a supportive community and come as you are. You might be a tech lead, a returning parent, or someone seeking purpose. Growth isn’t linear, and you don’t have to do it alone. Share openly. Ask for help and lift others up.
READY TO EMBRACE A CULTURE THAT SUPPORTS YOUR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND WELLBEING?