Graduates of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) make Turkey proud with their success in their career journeys. Hande Arı, who double majored in IUE Department of Business Administration and Department of Logistics Management, was selected as one of the 10 outstanding young people of Turkey by the International Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs Association (Junior Chamber International - JCI) Istanbul. Arı, who is deemed worthy of an award in the category of ‘personal success’, also ranked in Top 10 Women to Watch in Shipping, list for women under 40 years of age who have proven success internationally in maritime industry in Norway last year.
The “Ten Outstanding Young Persons of Turkey” competition award ceremony, which is carried out since 1997 to contribute to social development and make the work of successful young people visible, was held in a virtual environment this year. Participating in the award ceremony from Oslo to receive her award, Hande Arı ranked in the university entrance exam in 2006 and received a full scholarship at Izmir University of Economics.
EDUCATIONAL ADVENTURE GOING GLOBAL
Arı, who graduated by double majoring in IUE Department of Business Administration and Department of Logistics Management, said, “Ever since I was little, I wanted to learn foreign languages and cultures and explore the world. During my education, I aimed to turn this passion into work experience. I learned Portuguese as a second foreign language while I was studying at Izmir University of Economics. Thanks to the double major program, I also studied in the Department of Logistics Management. I studied in Portugal with the Erasmus program for a half semester and performed an internship in Spain. After my master's degree, I worked in Shanghai, China office of a company with the world's largest Ro-Ro fleet. I was promoted and appointed as a global commercial manager in Norway as a result of my hard work. I am currently working as a commercial manager at Seven Seas, one of the world's largest shipping suppliers.”
TURKISH YOUTH SHOULD NOT LOSE COURAGE
Stating that 9 out of 10 products used today reach our homes thanks to ship transportation, and this shows how international the maritime industry is, Arı stated that she had decided that she wanted to be a part of the maritime industry before entering the business life. Explaining that she started her career journey with a European experience, Arı said:
“Then I wanted to explore the Far East. After starting both education and business life in 5 years, I continue my career in Oslo as a global commercial manager. My journey from Turkey to Europe, from Europe to China, and from China to Norway sets an example to our youth. My journey from Turkey to Norway, has required me to go through quite a tough path. There were times when I made about 100 job applications and never received any feedback. Therefore, I would like to tell young friends that they should always fight for their goals on the path they will walk and remind them that nothing is easy. If they take the right steps, they will achieve their goals. Apart from that, I work in the maritime sector where there are very few business women in the international arena. I am sure that more young people can take part in the maritime sector with powerful education and strong cultural competence given by Turkey. I hope my story will encourage many young people and empower them to work in this industry.”
