Organised by the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Graduate Relations and Career Research Directorate (MIKA), in collaboration with academicians and experts in EMU, and in association with the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry and the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce, the “5th International Career Week” started on Monday, the 27th of February 2017. The opening ceremony and conference took place at 10:00 at the Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall. The opening which drew heavy student interest was attended by Board of Trustees President İlker Edip, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam, Mayor of Nicosia Turkish Municipality Mehmet Harmancı, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce President Fikri Toros, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry President Ali Çıralı, EMU Board of Trustees member Recai Ergün, Vice Rectors and academicians.
“EMU is truly a world university”
During his opening speech EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam highlighted the importance of the 5th International Career Week, providing recommendations for EMU students regarding their career paths. Noting that EMU cannot be categorized as a standard university Prof. Dr. Osam stated “EMU is amongst the top 980 of 25000 world universities. EMU is truly a world university”. Prof. Dr. Osam concluded by pointing out that the professionals who are going to share their experiences with the students via seminars will benefit the students immensely.
We are in need of new entrepreneurs
Speaking after EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam, Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce President Fikri Toros highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship whilst advising students to think about in what fields they can make a difference in and in what ways they can benefit society. Defining entrepreneurship as ‘the ability to think rationally and analytically’ Toros indicated that there is a need for young entrepreneurs in Cyprus. Noting that young entrepreneurs could at first face a range of problems Toros stated “Do not be afraid to make mistakes. The mistakes you make during your career will contribute to your improvement.”
“EMU graduates can work all over the world”
Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry President Ali Çıralı provided a reminder that the EMU International Career Week from five years ago featured approximately 40 companies whilst this year’s Career Week will feature more than 130. Çıralı continued by noting: “EMU hosts students from all over the world. For this reason EMU graduates are very lucky. Every student who graduates from EMU, a university that has proved its quality internationally, can work all over the world.”
“EMU taught us intercultural peace”
During the opening, a speech was also delivered by EMU Faculty of Business and Economics, Department of Political Science and International Relations graduate and current Mayor of Nicosia Turkish Municipality Mehmet Harmancı. Pointing out that EMU is of the utmost importance regarding democracy Harmacı who studied at EMU for a period of 6 years stated “EMU taught us to put up a fight whilst also teaching us about intercultural peace.” In addition, Harmacı provided students with career advice stating that social life is important as well obtaining good grades.
Into the top 300 via EMU exam
At the conference 2004 Ankara University Medicine Faculty Graduate (as part of the EMU-Ankara University Medicine Faculty collaboration) and Mağusa Medical Centre Hospital Cardiovascular Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Çağın Zaim gave a presentation titled “Things To Do in Our Career Path”. Noting that he gained the right to join the İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medicine Faculty after finishing high school, Zaim stated that his heart was set on studying in Ankara. Therefore, Zaim made use of the opportunity offered by EMU: “I took the EMU exam and gained the opportunity to study at the Ankara University Medicine Faculty as a result of the protocol signed by EMU and the Ankara University Medicine Faculty. We registered to the university along with the highest placed 300 students from the Higher Education Examination-Undergraduate Placement Examination.”
Zaim stated that at first other medicine faculty students had prejudices about students from the EMU quota and that with time these prejudices were completely broken. Zaim also mentioned that EMU helped them through difficult periods of their education. After the presentation in which Zaim spoke about his career path, a question and answer session took place and Zaim was handed a plaque of appreciation by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam. Zaim was also surprised with a birthday cake as it was his birthday.
Career Fair will be held on the 1st of March
In addition to the seminars being organized by faculties during the week, the “5th Career Fair” taking place with the participation of over 130 firms offering numerous internship and career opportunities for students will be held at the Lala Mustafa Paşa Sports Center at 10:00 a.m. on the 1st of March 2017. The said organisation for which a 30% increase in participation was observed this year will take place in collaboration with the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Industry and the Cyprus Turkish Chamber of Commerce. TRNC Minister of Education Dr. Özdemir Berova, Minister of Health Dr. Faiz Sucuoğlu, Minister of Tourism and Environment Fikri Ataoğlu, TRNC Minister of Labour and Social Security Hamza Ersan Saner and Famagusta Mayor İsmail Arter are expected to participate in the said organisation and deliver opening speeches. The fair which is also open to members of the general public will continue until 17:00.
