Masters guided 595 apprentices

The 'Three Generations Master-Apprentice' project, initiated by Izmir University of Economics (IUE) to bring its students together with business people and experts in the sector before they graduate, reached 595 young people in two years. Each student who participated as an 'apprentice' in the project, which was implemented for the first time in Turkey, was matched with a person (master) from the sector they would like to work in, in the future. IUE students communicate with their masters and ask what they are curious about, benefit from their experience and guidance skills, and make future career plans with the guidance of business people.

Izmir University of Economics, which implemented CampusIzmir as the first model of university-city integration in Turkey, made a difference with the "Three Generations Master-Apprentice" project, which it put into practice with the aim of creating new opportunities for its students. The project, carried out under the coordination of IUE Alumni Relations Office, provided many advantages to the youth, as well as providing the masters with the opportunity to get information about innovations from young people who are equipped with the latest technology and are equipped with social media literacy. The new semester pairings between students and masters, in the project, which has grown with interest in a short time, will be held in May.

YOUTH WILL REACH THEIR GOALS

IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar said that the project is of great importance in terms of creating internship opportunities for students and a business network. Expressing that thanks to the project, young people took one more step towards reaching their goals, Prof. Dr. Aşkar said, “We are raising young people as individuals who are not content with what they have learned but constantly question, take science as their guide, have the work discipline and the ability to produce different solutions. We also attach great importance to students getting to know the business world and meeting with the leading names of their sectors before they graduate. The ‘Three Generations Master-Apprentice’ project is one of the best and most effective examples of this. We continue our efforts to make students benefit more from the project.”

THE TRANSITION TO THE BUSINESS WORLD GETS EASIER

Prof. Dr. Murat Aşkar continued as follows: “Masters guide students in order to facilitate the transition from university to business life. Business people, who share their experiences about business ideas and entrepreneurship, guide and support young people to cope with the difficulties they may encounter in business life after graduation, and provide them with a broad perspective to write a successful career story. I would like to thank all business people who have supported our project so far.”

IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ME

Melike Nebili, Department of Psychology student, was paired with Clinical Psychologist Ecem Mizmizlioğlu, working at IUE Medical Park Hospital, as part of the 'Three Generations Master-Apprentice' project. Benefiting from Mizmizlioğlu's experience and consulting her on many issues, Nebili said, “I feel lucky to be a part of the project. After graduating from the university, I want to continue my life as a clinical psychologist. Meeting my master showed me what I can do more in professional life. In this respect, it was an opportunity for me to meet my master. She took a close interest in me and helped me in everything I needed. I would like to thank her very much.”

HE WAS LIKE AN ELDER BROTHER TO ME

Oğuzhan Cengiz, last year graduate of IUE Department of Industrial Engineering, who was involved in the project when he was a student, was paired with Aytaç Uzunlas, the owner of AvecaPro Company, within the scope of the project. Cengiz, who performed his internship at the company, also worked in joint projects with Uzunlas in Izmir Bilimpark, said, “We continue our dialogue with Aytaç Uzunlas, who was like an elder brother to me and never stopped supporting me. I learned a lot from him. I had the opportunity to be with him personally in many of his projects and works. He has been decisive in increasing my self-confidence, acquiring an environment, and quickly adapting to the business world. I am currently working on a few projects with my friends at Izmir Bilimpark.”