BAŞAK BOZKURT
I am Başak Bozkurt. I matriculated in the Foreign Trade (English) Department at Istanbul Aydın University in 2019. I acquired significant knowledge in this subject and had several possibilities for self-improvement. During the EU Funds course, we formulated the "Minİst" project for the Istanbul Development Agency. In this project, we devised contemporary technology solutions to address Istanbul's traffic issues in collaboration with our young entrepreneurial colleagues who graduated from the computer engineering department, and we successfully presented these answers to local officials. I obtained my DGS (Diploma Entrance Exam) and am presently studying in the International Trade and Finance (English) Department at Istanbul Aydın University.
IHSSANE HAOUMI
I began my studies in Foreign Trade (English) as a foreign student at Istanbul Aydın University in 2019. The program's curriculum afforded me the chance to work for a firm involved in international commerce while I was still a student, facilitating the accelerated development of my talents. I am presently employed with a firm that manages international brand distribution and export-import operations.
KADER KIZILAVUZ
I'm Kader Kızılavuz, a 2019 graduate of Istanbul Aydın University's Department of Foreign Trade and Engineering. Despite facing challenging conditions, I have always embraced an entrepreneurial spirit. What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? It means thinking freely, dreaming big, and turning those dreams into reality.
Initially, I focused on electrical installations with Kızılavuz and collaborated on large-scale projects, including the Ataşehir Water Garden on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, which we successfully completed as part of Kızılavuz Elektrik. Later, I founded Çınardere, a brand of milk and dairy products that I own and operate throughout Turkey. I began with retail sales but soon asked myself, "Why am I not in production?" Now, I am producing honey with 40 bees in the village of Karaçavuş in the Hozat district of Tunceli.
My goal is to produce Çınardere honey and expand into international markets. With the income generated, I aim to foster personal and regional development while achieving substantial profits. Our greatest assets are our intellect, experience, and youth.
SAMUEL PETERS
As a young person, I always dreamed of becoming a successful international trader. After high school, I started my own small business. With the money I saved from that job, I went abroad to pursue a career in foreign trade at Istanbul Aydın University. Istanbul Aydın University made all my dreams come true. I took advantage of the ERASMUS program, which helped me develop my enlightenment and business ideas. Currently, I am in France engaged in my primary passion: exporting automobiles and electronic goods to Africa. Istanbul Aydın University made all of these activities possible.
YİĞİTCAN AKAR
I began the Foreign Trade (English) Program at Istanbul Aydın University in 2020. During a summer internship in my freshman year, I encountered Bortek Pipe and Plumbing Technologies, and due to my enthusiasm and resolve, I began full-time employment. In my sophomore year, I worked in the afternoons and attended evening classes, consolidating the information gained at work and applying it to my professional responsibilities. My excellent accomplishment in 2022 substantially enhanced our company's position among Türkiye's top 1,000 exporting firms. Following graduation, our export representative departed from the firm, and I assumed the role of export manager. The same organization currently employs me.
Mehmet KESTANE’ 08
I was born in Istanbul in 1986, am married, and have a three-year-old son. After graduating from Çağlayan High School's Social Sciences department, I spent about two years preparing for the university entrance exam and also performed in amateur theater for three years. I graduated from my school's Human Resources Management department in 2008. I've been working as a human resources manager at Mars Sportif (MACFit) for about a year. I also work as a part-time lecturer at my school, Istanbul Aydın University. From the first day I entered the school, I had a wonderful career opportunity thanks to both the institution and my valued professors and administrators. From the very beginning of my on-site practice at my first company, I made excellent use of my school's references. After graduating,
I participated in almost every organization, and about 13 years later, I returned again, this time as a lecturer. I can say that this benefit goes far beyond material and has further strengthened my already strong sense of morale towards my school. I've had the opportunity to apply all the knowledge I've acquired in real-life business. The present is my 14th year in my career, and I've brought all my professional methods with me to every institution I've visited, persuading others to implement them. Because the education I received at IAU addressed specific topics and was delivered comprehensively, not in one-week curricula, but on a periodic basis, I mastered every detail, which I've effectively incorporated into my professional life. I've never been separated from my studies since graduation. In recent years, I've participated in the "If I Had a Mind Like This" seminar three times as a speaker. I've also attended the Spring Festival twice. I've been a reference for many people, including my younger siblings, in their choices, mentored them in their master's degree programs, and helped them take advantage of the continuing education center. First and foremost, I recommend that they study diligently, listen to interactive lectures, master at least one foreign language, engage in practical on-site practices and internships, and communicate effectively with everyone. Knowledge is learned and applied, but poor communication can overshadow all other skills. Therefore, I recommend that they prioritize strengthening their interpersonal skills. As a second-year student during my studies, I had to work a busy day to avoid financial hardship. These constraints naturally prevented me from experiencing the campus environment as much. If I had my mind back now, I would have worked at a slower pace and spent more time socializing at school. Beyond that, I'm grateful for both the education I received and its contributions to my life.
Murat DİNÇ’ 14
I was born in 1992. I have 13 years of active professional work experience. I first encountered the software industry during high school, and I began developing myself from that time on. Driven by curiosity, I began working professionally in 2010. I've held development and management positions at many well-established companies, including Saha BT, Doğan TV Holding, Tekzen, Inveon, Boyner, Çiçeksepeti, and Sipay. I continue my active career as a senior software developer. I developed my career on .NET platforms. In 2012, I enrolled in the Computer Programming Department at Istanbul Aydın University. When I started, I was working in software, but what Istanbul Aydın taught me took my career to a whole new level. Thanks to my professors, I expanded my perspective on the profession and received endless support for every endeavor I undertook and every idea I wanted to implement. Istanbul Aydın University has always held a special place in my heart. During my university years, I served as the Istanbul Aydın University club president of the IEEE branch and taught .NET training. I would like to express my gratitude to the Istanbul Aydın University family, which holds a special place in my life, and to my department head, Dr. Hakan Burak (RETIRED).I was born in 1992. I have 13 years of active professional work experience. I first encountered the software industry during high school, and I began developing myself from that time on. Driven by curiosity, I began working professionally in 2010. I've held development and management positions at many well-established companies, including Saha BT, Doğan TV Holding, Tekzen, Inveon, Boyner, Çiçeksepeti, and Sipay. I continue my active career as a senior software developer. I developed my career on .NET platforms. In 2012, I enrolled in the Computer Programming Department at Istanbul Aydın University. When I started, I was working in software, but what Istanbul Aydın taught me took my career to a whole new level. Thanks to my professors, I expanded my perspective on the profession and received endless support for every endeavor I undertook and every idea I wanted to implement. Istanbul Aydın University has always held a special place in my heart. During my university years, I served as the Istanbul Aydın University club president of the IEEE branch and taught .NET training. I would like to express my gratitude to the Istanbul Aydın University family, which holds a special place in my life, and to my department head, Dr. Hakan Burak (RETIRED).
ERKAM ZORKİRİŞCİ’22
I was born in Istanbul in the year 2000. I completed my basic school at Mustafa Eravutmuş Basic School and my secondary education at Kültür Temel High School. I began my associate's degree in Civil Air Transportation Management (English) at Istanbul Aydın University in 2018. Upon completing a year of English preparation coursework, I graduated with a good GPA in 2022. Upon graduation, I began employment as a "Preliminary Accountant" in a textile firm. My employment at the organization spanned around five months. I subsequently submitted applications to many company sectors related to my area of expertise. I exerted much effort. In December 2022, I began employment with HAVAŞ, a ground handling company at Istanbul Airport, and I continue to be a member of the HAVAŞ Family.
Ajda DİNSEVER’25
I was born in Silistra in 1980. I completed my primary education through the third grade at the Yuriy Aleksandrovich Gagarin School in Silistra, Bulgaria, recognized as one of the largest educational institutions in Europe during that period. In the subsequent years, I pursued my life and education in Türkiye. My passion for children and education led me to complete my high school education with a focus on child development. Prior to commencing my university studies, I began my employment at Carrefour, a global organization. My performance rapidly yielded results, advancing me to management roles across diverse sectors and ultimately to the position of education and advertising manager. My accelerated career trajectory necessitated a delay in my university education. However, following the birth of my child, I resumed my studies by enrolling in the "Child Development Program" at Istanbul Aydın University Anadolu Bil Vocational School and the "Child Development and Education" department at Istanbul University. Alongside my university education, I have successfully completed my training in "Drama Leadership" at the Oluşum Drama Institute. Upon finishing my education, I served as a teacher for one year at Okyanus Colleges, a private educational institution, before being appointed as the school principal. I remain in this role. I conducted extensive travel to study preschool education across multiple countries. I initiated the "Women Who Left Their Mark on Life" project to enhance awareness of women's experiences in my region, and I consistently contribute to the project annually. I maintain a personal blog, ajdadinsever.com, where I showcase my writing. I am the mother of an exceptional daughter named Begüm. I serve as a volunteer teacher at TEGV. I have authored a children's book titled "Begüm, Where's the Apple?" that explores the digestive system. This work is not part of a series. I consider myself a lifelong learner who is passionate about acquiring knowledge and understanding, and I embrace the journey of continuous growth and exploration. Education serves as the most powerful tool available for effecting change in the world.
Esma Ateş’ 13
I was born in Istanbul in 1988. I completed my primary and secondary education at 50. Yıl Ahmet Merter School and pursued my high school education at Yahya Kemal Beyatlı High School. After completing a one-year English preparatory program, I commenced my studies in public relations and publicity at Istanbul Aydın University in 2009. During the past three years, I have had the privilege of connecting with remarkable friends and exceptional mentors who have significantly influenced my professional journey. Due to the theoretical and rhetorical training I obtained from Gonca Yıldırım, Evrim Karafes, İbrahim Yoğurtcu, Babürhan Cöcür, and Cihan Becan, I commenced my internship as a Social Media Specialist at the Youth Republic agency in 2012. During my studies, I gained three years of experience at the same agency, focusing on my area of expertise. In 2013, I obtained an associate's degree from Istanbul Aydın University and subsequently earned my bachelor's degree in public relations and publicity from Istanbul University. Subsequently, I held representative and supervisory positions on client teams at Türkiye's prominent global and local agencies, including Havas Istanbul (2015-2016), Rafineri (2016-2020), and Happy People Project (2020-2021). Since 2021, I have held the position of account supervisor within the client relations team at VMLY&R Istanbul. With over 11 years of experience, I have been involved in a range of ATL, digital, and BTL campaigns for notable brands such as Vodafone, Pegasus, Skoda Auto, sahibinden.com, Koçtaş, Algida, Carte d'Or, Calve, Hayat, Sırma, Nestle Pure Life, Adel, Faber-Castell, Adeland, Anadolu Hayat Emeklilik, Cafe Crown, Kremini, Maltana, Çamlıca, Cola Turka, and Dankek. I would like to express my gratitude to my esteemed teachers for their guidance, motivating me to advance my studies, specialize in my field, and pursue my career.
SEFA AYDINLI’ 22
I was born in Samsun in 1991. I completed my secondary education at Samsun. I relocated to Istanbul for my university studies. I obtained my university degree from ISTANBUL AYDIN UNIVERSITY Anadolu Bil Vocational School, initially in the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, followed by a master's program in Occupational Health and Safety at the Institute of Science. In 2020, I reestablished the Machinery Department at Anadolu Bil Vocational School of ISTANBUL AYDIN UNIVERSITY. I obtained my degree from the Machinery Department in 2022. I am presently employed as an occupational safety professional at a housing project in Cevizlibağ, Istanbul. I participate in regular inspections of machinery concerning occupational health and safety. Throughout my university career, my instructor in the Occupational Health and Safety program was Zeynep Feride Olcay, while my instructors in the Machinery Program were Serkan GÖK, Necdet YAKUT, Serkan KILIÇTEK, and Alaattin HOŞKUN. I express my gratitude to my lecturers for the invaluable knowledge they imparted during my study and for offering me the opportunity to acquire diverse viewpoints. I wish success to our lecturers and fellow students.
Oğuz DEMİRBAĞ’16
I was born in Istanbul in 1996. After graduating from an industrial vocational high school, I took the university entrance exam and was accepted into Istanbul Aydın University's Mechanical Engineering Program. After working temporarily at several locations for a year after graduating in 2016, I decided to enter the industry I graduated from. Between 2017 and 2020, I worked as a mechanical draftsman and mold designer at Mercan Conta. I left my job due to military service. On December 1, 2020, I started working as a mold designer and technical draftsman at BURAKCAN KALIP. I still continue to do so. I've been passionately practicing this profession for over seven years. I want you to know that the foundation of this profession was laid by the faculty members of Istanbul Aydın University's Anadolu Bil Vocational School Mechanical Engineering Program.
CENNET ORALI’19
I was born in Istanbul in 1999. I studied Food Technology at Istanbul Selçuk Technical and Anatolian Vocational High School. During my senior year, I completed a one-year internship at Turkish Airlines Do&Co. Feeling happy and successful in the food control field, I chose the Food Technology Program at Istanbul University. After my internship, I received an offer from Do&Co that would allow me to both study and work. I accepted the offer and began working as a hygiene assistant at Do&Co during the day. The extensive knowledge my school and professors imparted made working in this department even more productive. I had the opportunity to apply all the knowledge I learned from my professors in school to practical experience in the workplace, paving the way for my career development. I spent two years working in production as a hygiene assistant. After graduating from Istanbul Aydın University in 2019, I worked for two more years as a hygiene shift manager at Do&Co. Afterward, I voluntarily resigned and began working as a quality specialist at Fulya Acıbadem Hospital in 2021. I worked in operations for another year, and now I wanted to develop my skills in new product development and office work in the food industry. After a year, I left voluntarily and started working at TheLifeCo as a quality specialist in 2022. I was no longer field-based but rather involved in some administrative and office work. Four months after starting, I was promoted to Product and Quality Manager and have been working at TheLifeCo for a year. I am thrilled and satisfied with my current job. I occasionally go out into the field to refresh my knowledge from school and past experience.
