I started my education at Izmir University of Economics in 2005 as one of the first students at Department of Industrial Systems Engineering (now Department of Industrial Engineering). Of course I had doubts about choosing a new department of a relatively young university, but, when I was convinced that the University offered a high quality education system and teaching staff based on the needs of the region and the country, my worries were replaced by a different excitement. In addition to being raised by internationally recognized academics during my 4 year undergraduate education, it was also rewarding to see our department maturing and improving along with us and being a part of it has always been a point where I felt the advantage. Additionally, I completed a Minor Program in Industrial Design Management in parallel to my major in order to get a different perspective. After a very productive 4 year undergraduate education, I was accepted to “Production Development and Management Engineering” Master’s Program at Jönköping University, Sweden. During my graduate education, I was able to understand the quality and extent of the education I received at Izmir University of Economics once again. When I compared myself with students from other countries and their level of education, I realized that I was more advantageous in many aspects. After returning to Turkey in 2011, I started my professional life and for the next 10 years I had the opportunity to work in comprehensive engineering and management positions in Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence in reputable companies both globally and in Turkey in the electronics, white goods, and automotive and renewable energy sectors. Throughout my entire work life, especially starting with my automotive adventure, sustainability and nature-friendly industrial transformation has been an area that I was excited and happy to be a part of. Therefore, my career and life route in 2021 turned to Sweden again, this time with my family. As one of the first employees of the giga-factory of Northvolt, an initiative that has made a big impression and attracts attention within the scope of Europe's green transformation goals, I had the opportunity to work together with colleagues from dozens of different countries in laying the foundations of the system of excellence, in many different fields and conditions that I had never anticipated, and to push my limits. Recently, I had the opportunity to be a part of a strategic partner of Norhvolt, a mission that sees beyond cardboard cups and wooden houses for renewable and natural materials. I started to work as the Lean Process Development Manager in Stora Enso, one of the oldest companies in the world, in the organization that pursues sustainability, bio-diversity, efficiency, digitalization and innovation targets in raw material supply chain operations.I should also mention that the engineering education and perspective I received at Izmir University of Economics played a major role in my career path as well as the sectors I had the opportunity to be in. Even though it has been a long time since my graduation, I am happy that my connection with my school continues. At the points that I felt were missing in my studentship, I try getting involved in mentoring program, attending seminars and chats, helping students find internship and project opportunities. You reading this is also a part of this, clearly. My humble recommendation to prospective and current university students and graduates is that they should take a responsibility in order to increase the quality of their life, lives of others. Your goal may not always be clear, but once you make your decision, be inquisitive not judgmental towards the obstacles you might come across, and try to find solutions. Doing so, you can contribute to both social development, thereby, your self-development, and keep your chances of satisfaction high in your social and professional life. Wish you all a life filled with happiness and success.
