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Learner admission policies and procedures are clear, well-documented, and consistently applied due to Turkey’s centralized higher education system and the Faculty’s own supplementary institutional procedures. 

The Faculty of Business has moved beyond isolated activities toward a sustainable, transparent, and accountable framework for learner progression.

The school uses a structured, data-informed system throughout the student lifecycle. It monitors indicators like course performance and attendance to detect early warning signs (e.g., repeated failures) and provides targeted interventions like faculty mentoring and individualized study plans. See the evidence based highlights. 

The Faculty of Business provides a comprehensive, multi-layered career support system that integrates mandatory coursework, extensive programming, and strong industry partnerships to prepare students for the global market.

Core Strengths and Institutionalized Practices

• Learner Success Ecosystem: Orientation, advising, and experiential learning (internships, simulations, case studies) have been institutionalized as a coherent ecosystem.
• Engagement: Small class sizes continue to facilitate high-quality student–faculty interaction.
• Experiential Learning: High-quality internships and strong feedback loops with employers ensure graduates are prepared for the global market.
• Alumni Office: This Office is dedicated to various activities to support the student-academics and alumni climate within the faculty even after graduation. 

Career Readiness Activities and Summits

The Faculty organizes a wide range of high-impact events designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. 

• Industry-Specific Summits: Annual events such as the Tourism Summit, Finance Summit, and HR Summit allow students to engage with sector leaders.
• Practical Skill-Building: The school hosts “Career Kitchen” sessions, CV Workshops, and Mock Interviews to refine students’ professional presentation.
• Competitions: Students are encouraged to participate in prestigious challenges like the CFA Institute Research Challenge and TUGIAD Case Competitions to apply their skills in competitive environments.

ALUMNI

The Alumni Office was established in 2011 with the aim of bringing together all our graduates and soon-to-be graduates. The purpose of the Alumni Office is to keep our graduates connected, just as they were during their student years, and to ensure the continuity of their communication and engagement with the Faculty.

Click here for the DEU Faculty of Business Alumni Status Analysis And Employment Report  (January 2026)

Alumni Raid the Faculty is an annual initiative organized by the Alumni Office of the Faculty of Business to strengthen the connection between graduates and current students. Within the scope of this event, alumni return to the Faculty and actively participate in academic life by attending classes and delivering lectures in their areas of expertise.

Graduates share their professional experiences, sector-specific knowledge, and real-life business practices with students. By bringing practical insights into the classroom, the event helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Students are exposed to current industry trends, managerial challenges, and professional expectations directly from experienced alumni.

This initiative enhances student engagement, promotes experiential learning, and reinforces sustainable relationships between the Faculty and the business community. It also contributes to maintaining long-term alumni involvement in academic processes.

Career Meetup is an annual one-day event that brings together alumni and 4th-year students who are approaching graduation. Organized by the Alumni Office, the event aims to facilitate students’ transition from university education to professional life.

During Career Meetup, senior students have the opportunity to interact directly with graduates from various sectors. Alumni provide guidance on career planning, recruitment processes, professional development, and sectoral expectations. The event supports students in building professional networks at an early stage and encourages them to benefit from the practical experiences of graduates.

A key component of the event is the opportunity for one-on-one interaction. Students can engage in personal conversations with alumni, ask questions about specific career paths, and establish individual connections. By fostering both networking and mentorship opportunities, Career Meetup contributes to enhancing students’ career awareness and preparedness for the labor market.

IF Networking is a networking-focused alumni event designed to strengthen professional ties among graduates and expand the Faculty’s business network. The event provides a structured platform where alumni from diverse sectors come together within the Faculty environment to interact, exchange experiences, and explore potential collaborations.

By creating opportunities for graduates to reconnect with one another, IF Networking supports the sustainability of the alumni network. The event encourages cross-sector communication and knowledge sharing, contributing to stronger engagement between the Faculty and the business community.

In addition to reinforcing alumni relations, IF Networking indirectly benefits current students by expanding the Faculty’s professional ecosystem and strengthening its external stakeholder connections.

Welcome Home is an annual alumni gathering organized to bring graduates back to the Faculty and maintain long-term engagement. The event provides an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with faculty members, fellow graduates, and current students in a familiar academic setting.

During Welcome Home, graduates participate in various activities and networking sessions, fostering communication within the alumni community. The event also serves as an important feedback mechanism. Alumni insights and experiences are considered in program design and revision processes, supporting continuous improvement efforts within the Faculty.

By strengthening ties with graduates and encouraging sustainable communication, Welcome Home contributes to building a strong and active alumni network. The event reflects the Faculty’s commitment to stakeholder engagement and lifelong connection with its graduates.

ALUMNI SUCCESS STORIES

I graduated in 2003 from the Faculty of Business, Department of International Relations at Dokuz Eylül University. The four years I spent at the Faculty of Business were incredibly valuable in shaping the direction of my life and encouraging me to pursue my dreams and ideals. The education I received was not limited to academic knowledge; it provided a strong foundation that prepared me for the business world.

One of the most valuable aspects of Dokuz Eylül for me was its learning environment, which went beyond theory and was built on project-based, long-term, and team-oriented work. Continuously working on projects taught me how to collaborate, take responsibility, and give and receive feedback effectively. This structure, supported by highly experienced professors, helped me build a strong foundation both academically and practically.

Courses such as Organizational Behavior were particularly influential in helping me understand human behavior, motivation, and organizational dynamics. In addition, taking an active role in the Business Club and the International Relations Club allowed me to engage directly with senior executives from leading corporations. Many of the skills I now define as “relationship management,” “understanding people,” and “creating impact” were actually developed during those years.

During my university years, I began to clearly define my goal of becoming a senior executive in a multinational company. After graduation, I stepped into professional life through a management trainee program at Tansaş, where I started working as a Training Specialist in Human Resources. I later continued my career within Migros.

My ambition was always to have a broader impact within an international organization. In line with this goal, I joined the Human Resources team at Tesco Kipa in 2007. Over the course of nine years, I took on various roles including Recruitment Manager, Talent Manager, HR Business Partner, and Training & Development Manager.

In 2016, I joined KFC (a brand of Yum! Brands) as a Senior Human Resources Manager. Following my role in Türkiye, I assumed a regional position and relocated to Dubai.

Today, I am based in Dubai, serving as Deputy General Manager of Human Resources for KFC, responsible for the Middle East, North Africa, Türkiye, Pakistan, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (22 countries). I perform my role with great passion; understanding people, developing talent, and adding value to organizations remain my greatest motivations.

Looking back, I clearly see that the education and perspective I gained at Dokuz Eylül University have played a significant role in bringing me to where I am today. Recognizing early on what I wanted, pursuing that ideal with patience and determination, and remaining open to continuous learning have been the cornerstones of my journey.

Cennet ÜNLÜ KUZU Graduate of Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Business, Department of Political Science and International Relations (2022) Entrepreneur – Kaktüs Software and Digital Marketing

When I started studying International Relations at Dokuz Eylül University, I did not see myself belonging to a single profession. I have always been someone interested in different fields, who enjoys creating and is eager to continuously learn new things. For this reason, choosing International Relations was not only an academic decision for me, but also the beginning of a journey to better understand the world.

The skills I gained through my International Relations education—such as analytical thinking, conducting research, taking responsibility, and seeing the bigger picture—have played a significant role in my career. I consistently feel the department’s contribution in my ability to work across different sectors and adapt to new fields. Even today, I can clearly see traces of that perspective in the work I do.

Beyond the department itself, studying within the Faculty of Business provided me with an important advantage. Through active student clubs and elective courses, I had the opportunity to gain theoretical knowledge in entrepreneurship and business management. This experience sparked a deeper interest in entrepreneurship and startup culture. What began as a hobby in graphic design gradually evolved into a business model within the company whose foundations we started building during my university years.

After graduation, I continued to work professionally in this field and, together with the right partners, co-founded Kaktüs Yazılım ve Dijital Pazarlama. Today, we develop projects that help businesses grow in the digital world, managing both software development and digital marketing processes.

My biggest advice to students who are considering this department is to see their university years not only as an academic period, but also as a time of self-discovery. When you start producing in the areas you are passionate about, you will better understand how valuable the perspective you gain at university truly is. Remember, the department you choose at the age of 18 does not have to define your entire career path. I wish you all success in your journey ahead.

Şevket Kadir AKTÜRK Graduate of Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Business, Department of International Business and Trade (2022) Import & Export Manager – Cavit Inox Kesici El Aletleri Üretim Pazarlama San. Tic. Ltd. Şti.

I graduated in 2022 from the Department of International Business and Trade at Dokuz Eylül University. The theoretical knowledge and analytical perspective I gained during my university education provided a strong foundation for my transition into professional life after graduation.

Following graduation, I began working at Cavit Inox Kesici El Aletleri Üretim Pazarlama San. Tic. Ltd. Şti.. By actively applying the international trade knowledge I acquired at university, I have taken part in developing the company’s import and export processes. I have been involved in planning and implementing the import of technologies required for production, and on the export side, I have assumed responsibility for researching new markets and managing operational processes.

The education I received at Dokuz Eylül University not only provided academic knowledge but also enhanced my ability to approach business challenges analytically, manage processes effectively, and make sound decisions. Seeing how theoretical foundations align with practical applications made it easier for me to adapt to professional life.

Today, in my ongoing professional career, I clearly see the tangible impact of the knowledge and competencies I gained during my university years. I can confidently say that the education I received at Dokuz Eylül University constitutes one of the fundamental building blocks of my career.

Çınar AŞIK Graduate of Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Business, Department of International Trade and Business (2021) E-Export Specialist – Brand Founder

I graduated in 2021 from the Department of International Trade and Business at Dokuz Eylül University. Throughout my education, I focused on foreign trade, e-commerce, and digital marketing. By directly transferring my academic background into practice, I took an active role both in our family business and in my own ventures. I had the opportunity to manage international trade, logistics, customs processes, and marketplace operations hands-on.

The core focus of my professional journey is e-export and brand building on Amazon marketplaces. I have managed operations reaching seven-figure revenues by developing and scaling private-label brands in European, UK, and US markets. I have end-to-end experience in product research, supply chain setup, FBA operations, brand positioning, listing optimization, and performance marketing.

I transformed this experience into a structured model by founding E-Export University. Through E-Export University, I provide e-export-focused consultancy services to entrepreneurs and companies. My service areas include:

• Product and market research
• Supply and cost modeling
• Amazon and marketplace account setup
• Brand and product positioning
• Logistics and customs process design
• Operations and profitability analysis
• Account and product management
• Growth and scaling strategies

The objective is to shorten the trial-and-error phase, guide entrepreneurs directly toward the right model, and build sustainable e-export structures.

My venture in the food sector, Novire Cheesecake, is a boutique cheesecake brand positioned in the premium segment. The brand focuses particularly on San Sebastian (Basque) cheesecake varieties. At Novire, my core philosophy is not cost optimization, but product excellence. Production is based on strict recipe discipline, precise gram measurements, controlled baking profiles, and cold chain quality standards. The business operates through both direct-to-consumer sales and a wholesale supply model serving selected cafés and businesses.

My overall approach to work is based on data-driven decision-making, process standardization, and quality-focused growth. Although I operate in two different fields—e-export and food production—the common denominator remains the same: building systems, measuring performance, and developing them sustainably.

Gizem BARANOĞLU DAMMATI Graduate of Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Business Administration, Department of Economics (2016) Credit Risk Controller at Raiffeisen Bank International AG – Austria

I graduated from the English Economics Department of the Faculty of Business Administration at Dokuz Eylül University in 2016. I completed my master’s degree in Banking and Finance at the University of Vienna in 2022. In 2023, I received my Certified Public Accountant certificate from TÜRMOB (Turkish Union of Certified Public Accountants). 

Throughout my education, I completed internships in many companies both domestically and internationally in the fields of auditing and financial services. In 2021, I started working in the Credit Risk Control department at Raiffeisen Bank International AG in Austria. Today, I continue my duties as a Credit Risk Controller at the same bank.

Yüksel KURT Graduate of Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Business, Department of Business Administration (1994) CFO – Şahinler Metal

I graduated in 1994 from the Faculty of Business, Department of Business Administration at Dokuz Eylül University. I completed my undergraduate studies in the English Business Administration program. During my student years, I developed a particular interest in finance, managerial accounting, and organizational behavior. I was also an active member of the faculty basketball team, contributing to university life not only academically but also socially and athletically.

Throughout my professional  career, I have always prioritized academic development. After completing my undergraduate degree, I earned an Executive MBA and later pursued doctoral studies in Business Administration at Business University of Costa Rica. My academic focus has been on family businesses, institutionalization processes, and global competitive dynamics. I have consistently aimed to integrate academic knowledge with professional experience to develop a well-rounded executive profile.

Following graduation, I began my career in multinational and corporate environments. Over time, I leveraged my strong technical background in finance, accounting, audit, and control into senior executive roles. In the early stages of my career, I worked in financial control, reporting, and audit functions within international companies. In later years, I held top executive positions—including CFO, COO, General Manager, and Deputy General Manager—across various local and international organizations operating in different sectors.

Since 2022, I have been serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Şahinler Metal. In this production-focused organization, I lead initiatives in financial management, sustainable growth, and the strengthening of corporate structures. My long-standing professional experience reflects a multifaceted perspective gained across different industries, scales, and organizational structures.

Looking back on my career journey, I clearly see that the education I received at Dokuz Eylül University’s Faculty of Business—centered on analytical thinking, a multidisciplinary perspective, and an ethics-based management approach—has provided a strong foundation for my advancement into senior executive roles. For me, this journey represents not only a career path, but also tangible proof that lifelong learning, professional discipline, and strategic leadership are made possible through continuous development.

I graduated in 1994 from the Faculty of Business, Department of Business Administration at Dokuz Eylül University. I completed my undergraduate studies in the English Business Administration program. During my student years, I developed a particular interest in finance, managerial accounting, and organizational behavior. I was also an active member of the faculty basketball team, contributing to university life not only academically but also socially and athletically.

Throughout my professional  career, I have always prioritized academic development. After completing my undergraduate degree, I earned an Executive MBA and later pursued doctoral studies in Business Administration at Business University of Costa Rica. My academic focus has been on family businesses, institutionalization processes, and global competitive dynamics. I have consistently aimed to integrate academic knowledge with professional experience to develop a well-rounded executive profile.

Following graduation, I began my career in multinational and corporate environments. Over time, I leveraged my strong technical background in finance, accounting, audit, and control into senior executive roles. In the early stages of my career, I worked in financial control, reporting, and audit functions within international companies. In later years, I held top executive positions—including CFO, COO, General Manager, and Deputy General Manager—across various local and international organizations operating in different sectors.

Since 2022, I have been serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Şahinler Metal. In this production-focused organization, I lead initiatives in financial management, sustainable growth, and the strengthening of corporate structures. My long-standing professional experience reflects a multifaceted perspective gained across different industries, scales, and organizational structures.

Looking back on my career journey, I clearly see that the education I received at Dokuz Eylül University’s Faculty of Business—centered on analytical thinking, a multidisciplinary perspective, and an ethics-based management approach—has provided a strong foundation for my advancement into senior executive roles. For me, this journey represents not only a career path, but also tangible proof that lifelong learning, professional discipline, and strategic leadership are made possible through continuous development.

Levent Kocagül Graduate of Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Business, Department of Business Administration (2000)

I graduated in 2000 from the Faculty of Business, Department of Business Administration at Dokuz Eylül University. During my undergraduate years, I developed a strong interest in organizational behavior, human resources management, and industrial relations. I also served as Work and Internship Coordinator in the Dokuz Eylül University Business Club, which gave me practical experience and helped me build my network, improve communication skills, and manage processes effectively. The faculty’s focus on analytical thinking, multidisciplinary approaches, teamwork, and corporate perspectives shaped the way I think and work, forming the foundation of my professional career.

After graduation, I began my career in human resources. Working in multinational and large-scale organizations allowed me to gain extensive expertise in operational, industrial, and strategic aspects of HR management. I started at Japan Tobacco International (JTI) as an Assistant Specialist from 2001 to 2007 and progressed to HR Services Manager. Between 2007 and 2016, I worked at Coca-Cola İçecek (CCİ) as HR Shared Services Manager responsible for all operations in Turkey. In 2016, I joined Petkim, part of the SOCAR Turkey group, as HR and Organizational Development Manager, later becoming Deputy General Manager of HR. Following the 2019 integration of SOCAR Turkey, I was appointed Deputy Head of HR for the Refinery and Petrochemical Business Unit, leading all HR and industrial relations processes for nearly 4,000 employees across Petkim, STAR Refinery, SOCAR Storage, SOCAR Trading, SOCAR Turkey R&D, and Petkim Wind Power Plant.

In addition to my professional roles, since 2018, I have served as Chairman of the Board of KİPLAS, and since 2019, as a Board and Executive Committee member of TİSK. I also served as a Board member of TED Aliağa College from 2016 to 2025. I view all these responsibilities as opportunities to contribute not only to my company and the institutions I serve but also to society as a whole.

Currently, I serve as a member of the Advisory Board of the Faculty of Business at Dokuz Eylül University, helping align the faculty’s education programs with the needs of the modern business world and future trends. Through this role, I actively support stronger connections between the university, alumni, and the business community.

Looking back, I see that the values I gained at Dokuz Eylül University—analytical thinking, a multidisciplinary approach, teamwork, and an ethics-based perspective—have been fundamental to my growth into a senior HR leader in strategic sectors. My journey shows that long-term professional development, commitment to your organization, and strategic leadership are achievable when you combine education, discipline, and experience.

Efe YAMAN Founder of AVLU Graduate of Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Business, Department of Tourism Management

AVLU Greek & Turkish Cuisine has been recognized by BBC Good Food Middle East as the Best Casual Dining Restaurant in Abu Dhabi — one of the most respected culinary awards in the region.

Ufuk OKUMUŞ Graduate of Dokuz Eylül University, Faculty of Business, Department of Tourism Management Regional Director of Sales Operations – Türkiye at Hilton