When I first stepped into Izmir University of Economics in 2007 I said to myself “What am I doing here?” One of the main reasons for that was the fact that I was a professional football player at Manisaspor Club, then known as Vestel Manisaspor. I got transferred to Ispartaspor after an accident, and when I came back I took a dislike to football due to some events I witnessed. I always felt a little remorseful because of leaving football because I was going to have a totally different life. Izmir Economics was the newest of my new life…I chose Department of International Relations and European Union because even at times when I was playing football, I always wondered about nations’ own identities, and the geographies they were located in. For example, I was always interested in issues such as European Union process, the impact of decisions taken at European Parliament on the rest of the world, etc. But, as the years passed, just like everyone else, I had to make changes in my career planning as well. As the marks of football were fading away, I got the encouragement and support I needed to focus on my new career from the specialized academicians who were near and dear to me at Izmir Economics. I chose electives in fields of business administration, finance, and auditing in third and fourth grades. And I surely benefited immediately. I signed a contract with Ernst and Young (EY), one of the Big Fours of Auditing sector, in April 2012, even before I graduated. I am currently working as a Senior Tax Auditor at Tax Department, EY. My job requires me to audit many of the international companies, meet with their CEO’s one on one. When I think about tax, indispensable part of economy sector known as the biggest force that drives the world, being a tool for the nations all the time, it whets my appetite for my job. My life is separated into two as before and after 2007. I would like to express my gratitude to Izmir Economics and all my teachers for allowing me to have the life I live now. I will never forget this school which acted as a bridge to make my dreams come true as I was walking the difficult paths of life. I hope you, too can have a school to help you realize your dreams, and I hope it is in Izmir.
