09/06/2015
Sabancı University School of Management Faculty Member Nakiye Boyacıgiller was a panelist in the conference held by Junior Chamber International (JCI), a platform bringing together more than a quarter of a million young leaders from over 100 countries worldwide, at the Istanbul Congress Center on June 4, 2015.
Other panelists were Turkish Airlines Cargo VP Marketing and Sales Halit Anlatan, UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) Program Coordinator Damla Taşkın, European Angel Investors Network Emeritus Chair Paulo Andrez, and European Angel Investors Network Vice President Baybars Altuntaş.
The panel focused on young unemployment and the sustainable solutions implemented by the panelists to overcome this issue in their respective areas of work. One key reason for high young unemployment rates was said to be the inability of university education to provide the knowledge and skills actually required in professional life.
In her speech, Nakiye Boyacıgiller discussed the different education system at Sabancı University. Boyacıgiller said that Sabancı University brought a fresh look at education in Turkey, and that its innovative model meant that alumni were at peace with their diplomas. Boyacıgiller also explained the close ties of Sabancı University with business, and that university-business partnership projects were being implemented by all faculties, programs and centers.
Nakiye Boyacıgiller said, “The curriculum at Sabancı University is designed by considering the needs of both local and global businesses. Students of Sabancı University are subject to required internship, which enables them to know the world of business more closely and become aware of their competencies. We also ensure that our undergraduate students implement and/or support a project. As a result, almost 90% of Sabancı University graduates find jobs in one of the leading companies in Turkey or the world, or are admitted to graduate education in the finest universities around the world."
About Junior Chamber International:
Junior Chamber International (JCI) is a global platform bringing together a quarter of a million young leaders from over 100 countries in the world, who are mostly in their 20s and 30s. JCI members meet, learn and develop through numerous local, national and global projects and activities. Millions of graduates support the projects and activities of JCI. JCI members embrace the vision of "being the leading global network for active citizens" and work towards their mission to "make a positive contribution to the development of society by providing new opportunities for young people to improve." Junior Chamber International is an international society that seeks to impart its members with leadership qualities and social awareness to ensure positive change in the societies they live. The common qualities of JCI members are that they are individuals between 18 and 40 years of age who are willing to undertake teamwork, improve themselves, and are internationally capable both in business and social life.