‘CHOOSING MY PROFESSION’

High school students learned about future professions on-site. Students, who are in the midst of an exam marathon, got a chance to ask academicians about the professions they are interested in, what kind of education was required, and possible career opportunities at the “4^th I am Choosing My Profession” fair organized by Izmir University of Economics (IUE) at the Conference Hall. One thousand 700 hundred students experienced being ‘university students’ for a day, received information about courses, and attended seminars on how to overcome exam anxiety, motivation, success, and professions.   

IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Can Muğan stated that career choice affected a person’s life and she said, “Doing what you love for work means contributing to yourself and your country. Choose a profession that will make you happy. Here, we aim to raise inquisitive, open-minded, visionary students who fully use their potentials and are willing to make a difference. Achieve this in your profession. Be happy”.

‘Harmful effects of negative thinking’

Dr. Yasemin Öğütçü, Lecturer, IUE Department of Psychology, who made recommendations to prospective university students about how to overcome exam anxiety, said, “We usually experience anxiety when we are faced with something unexpected. We need to learn to control our thoughts to begin with. Negative thinking hinders success. The body doesn’t react well and concentration of thoughts is inhibited. Students should not focus on failure. Developing negative thoughts result in preconceptions about self.”

‘Do not attribute different meanings to exams’

Dr. Öğütçü indicated that not the exam itself but different meanings associated with the exam and exam results, and the negative feelings about the exam caused the students to be anxious. Öğütçü stated the following:

“Your first step is to study. You cannot be realistic about your future goals without studying. Attend classes regularly and efficiently. Review subjects systematically and efficiently, do tests. Make sure you also spare time for your hobbies and interests.  That would help reduce the stress, and increase energy and positivity. Being a bit tense at the beginning of the exam is normal. Read the instructions carefully. Take small notes next to the question you cannot solve at the moment, you can always come back to that question. Don’t let your anxiety get the best of you; remember that you can cope with it. Pay no attention to anything that distracts you, as you focus on your questions you will not realize them. Make sure to reward yourself after the exam.”

‘5 steps for a good career’

Taylan Özgür Demirkaya, Director of IUE Embryonix Pre-Incubation Center, reminded that there were 5 steps to choose a good career and a profession, and he said, “Take responsibility, take action, fail, learn, and improve. One needs to focus on these basic concepts. An individual needs to take responsibility foremost. Needs to take action based on ‘I need to do this’ comprehension. First step may not always bring success, but you should never give up. Learn your lesson, and improve your steps and try again.”