“I owe OzU my ability to see and seize opportunities.”

Being an Özyeğin graduate puts me in an advantageous position in the academic environment which I am currently a part of. One of the key advantages Özyeğin University has blessed me with is presentation skills. Thanks to these skills, I placed second in a research-themed competition from among many participants. I owe my abilities to see and seize opportunities, as well as my presentation and persuasion skills to OzU. Life itself is actually an “elevator pitch”, and this University has taught me where, when, and what action I should take. I miss the days I spent with my friends from the Technology and Robotics Club, which were filled with fun memories and crazy ideas.

“There is a great difference in its education.”

I learned Spanish thanks to the second foreign language education and the Erasmus opportunity offered by the University. My knowledge of Spanish is the biggest reason why I am now responsible for Spain and the Latin America Region in the international trade department at my company. Our undergraduate education and the projects we completed during our undergraduate studies contributed to my being selected for such a position right after graduation. I had a hard time in class during my first years at the University. But as time went on, and as I got accustomed to Özyeğin’s system, everything became much easier. It takes time and effort to learn. On my final days on campus, I had a lot of job interviews. What I observed during the job interviews I attended was that we are differentiated from others with our knowledge of English, academic education, competence, and overall accumulation of knowledge. I believe that Özyeğin University is the university where students can gain the maximum amount of competency socially, culturally, and most importantly academically in the undergraduate program they aspire to attend.

“Özyeğin University helped me gain a more well-prepared and well-equipped start compared to my colleagues.”

With its course contents and project development approach focused on the contemporary subjects of architecture, Özyeğin University helped me gain a more well-prepared and well-equipped start to my master’s degree education, compared to my colleagues. The distinction and awareness vested in me by Özyeğin must have also reflected on my work, so much so that, although being one of the first graduates of a new school, in response to my international university applications, I got acceptance from the world’s leading architecture schools such as Columbia University, University of Pennslyvania, Sci-Arc, and Pratt Institute. I have no doubt that Özyeğin's contributions to my academic, professional, and personal development will also provide me with a set of privileges in my future career.

“OzU helped me discover the field of business I want to work in”

Industrial Design is a department based on a master-apprentice relationship. I had the opportunity of receiving one-on-one education at Özyeğin University, and thanks to my professors, I have a full portfolio and resume. Özyeğin University gave me a whole new perspective, and helped me understand what I really want to do in the future. It offers a distinctive education program which is much different than those of other universities. OzU helped me discover the field of business I want to work in in the future. The education I attained, the network I built, and the projects I completed here brought me a job offer before I even graduated, and now I have a job. If what you expect from a university is good education and a nice campus environment, not only will Özyeğin University exceed your expectations, but it will also present a myriad of opportunities.

“Özyeğin University prepared me for being a world citizen”

Özyeğin University made a great contribution to my knowledge base and my skillset. Also being part of Özyeğin University helped me build a network of friends spread out across the whole world. Özyeğin University prepared me for being a world citizen. It vested me with the right paradigm, the right knowledge, and everything else necessary to fit into the modern world. I often meet my friends from Özyeğin University in different countries and different places, and the fact that how strong the links among us are makes me feel I am an integral part of the Özyeğin University community.

“I believe that Özyeğin University’s education and vision have had a major influence on my career.”

I was admitted to the Undergraduate Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program at Özyeğin University in the 2012-2013 academic year. After studying for one year in the English Preparatory Program, I qualified to matriculate to my undergraduate program. In 2017, in addition to the Undergraduate Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, I also graduated from my minor in Hotel Management. In our department, we take management courses in addition to culinary courses, and thus, we have the opportunity to work in different fields of the food and beverage industry and rise up to executive positions. We can also take elective courses in the fields we would like to specialize in. From the day on which I started my freshman year, our faculty members have always been very helpful and provided me with guidance for both my education and career. During the time I spent in the sector for my mandatory internships and voluntary work, I observed that the education I received at the university prepared us for professional life in the best way possible. I completed one of my mandatory internships at a European Union project titled “Leonardo Da Vinci” as a result of the cooperation between the School of Applied Sciences and Hilton Worldwide. I believe that the education and vision offered by the Undergraduate Gastronomy and Culinary Arts at Özyeğin University have had a major influence on my career. 

“OzU is my absolute preference, giving direction to my dreams and supporting me in reaching beyond my dreams.”

The Law Program at Özyeğin University is absolute preference, giving direction to my dreams and supporting me in reaching beyond my dreams. It is my biggest chance and my second family. In the 2016 Fall semester, I graduated with honors, and thus, brought the first venture of my life to a completion. Fully aware of the steps I need to take in the field of law, the challenges I may face on my path, and what is expected from me, be it in an interview or in the business world; and guided with the insights of the Professional Development team at Özyeğin University, I have transformed into a prospective attorney who is able choose instead of waiting to be chosen in the sector. The one-year legal internship period is usually challenging for most prospective attorneys. Yet, I started my legal internship one step ahead of others, at a prestigious law firm where I can map out my future career plan. Blending the theory I acquired at the Faculty with the practical experience I obtained during my internships, I successfully received my license to practice law.  Özyeğin University, which always supported my achievements throughout my undergraduate studies, was also my greatest supporter in achieving my master’s degree goals. As I graduated with honors, I will complete my master’s degree at one of the most prestigious universities in the UK with the scholarship awarded by Özyeğin University. I am grateful to my university for building a strong bond with its students and showing its students great support, not only during the times we spend as students, but beyond. 

“My professors helped me enormously in shaping my plans for the future”.

The interest and attention of my professors have never been limited to class hours. They also helped me enormously in shaping my plans for the future. Thanks to my education and guidance of my professors, I found jobs in numerous NGOs and obtained professional experience before I graduated. I believe that I owe a great part of the success I have achieved in the international organizations for which I have worked since my graduation to my professors at the Department of International Relations at Özyeğin University. Having the chance to study one-on-one with my professors made a significant contribution to shaping my career plans for the future. Our professors’ strong background, communication skills, and close attention have shaped us in the best possible way. 

“I discovered my true identity and developed myself at OzU”

My 5-year university life which started off on a small campus in 2010 will soon come to an end on the hills of Çekmeköy.  And so much has happened in those five years! The English Preparatory Program, never-ending group assignments and projects, Duyarlı OzU (OzU Cares), the Recruitment Team, Peer Advising, and so much more. OzU is the most important venture I have ever undertaken, one for which I can say “I am glad that I did it.”   Here at this University, I had the opportunity to discover my true identity and develop myself. Only an OzU student may truly grasp what I mean. This 5-year period was highly challenging. Yet, when I think of how those years contributed to my growth, I can say it was well worth it.  I am now who I am thanks to the mandatory and non-credit internships I completed with the support of my University, the volunteer projects I undertook with the members of Duyarlı OzU (OzU Cares), unforgettable people I met at the University, and the capstone project I prepared with my best friends. OzU boosted my self-confidence each day with its ceaseless support for its students.  Most of all, thanks to OzU, I now have a career that I truly love.  I am thankful to all those who have supported me throughout this journey and I am very happy that I am an OzU graduate.

“Our department is only 5 years old, yet it is already well-known, and its graduates are already sought after.”

The Professional Flight Department at Özyeğin University makes us feel the distinction of being an Özyeğin University student under our employers with the world-class culture, experience, facilities, and seminars it has provided us. As we are able to experience the cockpit environment, sitting beside the captain pilot, and the culture of aviation while still studying, we feel more at ease be it in interviews or during post-recruitment in-house training, or when we start flying. Mostly, in interviews, captain pilots understand we are Özyeğin University graduates from the way we sit on their right. Our department is only 5 years old, yet it is already well-known, and its graduates are already sought after. That’s why I take pride in saying “I am an Özyeğin student” and representing our university in the skies as one of its first graduates.

“I understood that university education is not only about getting a degree but also about getting to know and understand yourself, other people, and life itself.”

I started Özyeğin University in 2012. After four challenging years, I will finally throw my cap in the air in June, with not only the contributions of my University to my development, but also the pride of my contributions to the University. Here at Özyeğin University, I have understood that university education is not only about getting a degree but also about getting to know and understand yourself, other people, and life itself. Each moment I spent at the University taught me something new.  At first, just like everyone else, I had my own share of doubts about the University because it was still pretty young. However, when I look back now, I tell myself how glad I am that I chose it.  In fact, I used this situation to my advantage and made the most of each opportunity the University offered to us. The Faculty of Law and the University in general offers so many events and other opportunities to students that it is almost impossible not to join one of them.  So I partook in numerous events and undertook so many projects that are not directly related to my department. People think these types of activities  look good on a resume whereas I believe that each new project or event you get involved in means meeting new people and having new experiences. Now we are turning a new page, and a new adventure is awaiting us.  We are all very excited about the life that awaits us on the horizon with all its uncertainties. We do not know what it will bring, yet I have full confidence that whatever challenges it brings can be overcome thanks to our education and self-development.  I wish success to all our graduates... I hope everyone reaps the fruits of their labors...

“I feel more active and free in business life thanks to the education I have received.”

Unlike other universities, our University places a higher emphasis on and offers a comprehensive education in entrepreneurship. As such, I feel more active and free in business life, which is, in turn, reflected on the projects I conduct. The University’s innovative education model prepared me as an entrepreneurial graduate who is competent in information and communication technologies, has a good command of a foreign language, and is vested with practical skills. I believe that Özyeğin University prepares graduates who have the desire and perseverance to make a difference for their employers. The knowledge, skills, competencies, and experiences I gained at the University helped me to stand out and become chosen from among hundreds of other job applicants.

“OzU equips us with 21st century skills, and prepares us for life with the examples of “good people”.”

In an era in which the world rapidly changes and information spreads so fast, it is, for a 21st century person, no longer enough just to relay the information in books to students. Özyeğin University offers education in line with its mission and vision to develop the skills and capabilities of its students. I realize now that had I not chosen OzU, I would never have  attained most of the skills and capabilities I have today. I would somehow learn how to calculate the national income, inflation, or stock value but I would lack capabilities such as presentation, teamwork, time management, and planning or goal setting. A student expects its university to furnish him/her with the wherewithal to meet the expectations of prospective employers.  And that is what OzU does. OzU recognizes every student’s uniqueness and produces graduates that are fully-prepared for the job market. For instance, I had the opportunity to complete two internships abroad, and join an exchange program for a semester with the support of my University. Courses offered to develop my language and computer skills, and internships that familiarized me with the sector and the world outside have transformed me into a resourceful person, and set me apart from the graduates of other universities. Our professors taught us more than how to be a money-making entrepreneur or a successful executive who can climb the career ladder fast. They have become our role models and taught us how to be a good person. I feel very proud in being a member of such a community that cares for society and has such social awareness. Now that I have left all the presentations, assignments and examinations behind, I miss my University so much, and I realize now how the happiest days of my life provided me with the values that made me who I am today. In business life, it is not always possible to learn a new thing every new day, but when you are a student, it is always possible to read more and develop yourself further. I recommend all students to make the most of their university life by studying and enjoying it as much as they can, and I strongly advise them to stay connected to their University for the rest of their lives.

“I learned effective time management” 

Time management is the most important asset in business life.  During our studies, we completed a lot of projects with strict deadlines, which were a great source of complaint for us. Yet, if nothing else, these projects taught us how to manage our time effectively, and thanks to these projects, I have never had any difficulties at work, pertaining to neither team work nor people management. The transition from such an intensive academic life to a hectic business life, therefore, did not seem that difficult to me.  Because we were already prepared for it. Also, we completed numerous internships. These internships offered us one of the greatest roadmaps and showed us which path to choose for our future careers.   I can say that the high-quality education I attained at Özyeğin University and the experience I garnered in numerous project groups I joined have made a difference.  Now, looking back, I miss our social environment, the way that our professors have always supported us, or the way we benefited from their ideas and experiences whenever we got confused or we could not make our minds.

“OzU prepares us for life not only on an academic but also on a personal level”

Everyone knows that university is one of the key stops where individuals discover their true selves and learn how to express themselves. With this awareness, Özyeğin University guarantees that each student will find a social activity that best suits him/her and have the opportunity to invest in his/her own development through its wide array of social activities. Events, social amenities, different student clubs and internship opportunities not only add color and zest to the university life of students but also allow them to leverage these experiences and bring them into their professional lives. Through these activities, students develop a vibrant personality, which offer a new perspective to employers in the professional world.  Özyeğin University prepares its students for their professional lives not only on an academic level but also on a personal level, where they can discover their true selves, interests, and hobbies.

“My professional life is much easier thanks to OzU’s groundbreaking education.”

Özyeğin University’s groundbreaking education processes are firmly grounded in teamwork, projects, and presentations. Thanks to all these, I have built the ability to work in harmony with different people. This ability is well-reflected in my performance and work in my professional life. If I knew what I know now, I would try to seize all the opportunities the University offers, and focus more on its international internship programs. As one of its first students and graduates that witnessed its birth, my biggest wish is to contribute to my University’s growth and obtain many more achievements in collaboration with OzU.