Alumni

Graduates who complete the program as "Foreign Trade Specialists" can pursue careers in:

- Import-export companies

- Foreign trade departments of businesses

- Customs and shipping firms

- International economic organizations

- European Union delegations

- The Ministry of Trade

- Logistics companies

- Foreign exchange departments of banks

Since 2004, the Foreign Trade Program has been producing graduates and is the program with the highest number of alumni within the Vocational School. Here are some of the successful career paths of our distinguished alumni:

Selin Gürler, 2022 yılı Dış Ticaret Programı mezunu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selin-g%C3%BCrler-445a99213/

"In 2019, I joined the Foreign Trade Program at İzmir University of Economics with a 50% scholarship and completed the optional preparatory program, which significantly improved my language skills for the professional world. Throughout my studies, I attended various seminars and received training from industry professionals, which facilitated my transition into the workforce. The courses on entering foreign markets, foreign trade terminology, and trade regulations prepared me well for the sector. Leveraging the university’s internship opportunities, I completed a successful internship at the İzmir Chamber of Commerce in 2021, where I supported SMEs in export development under the Export Support Office Project. This experience helped me apply my knowledge practically and strengthened my position in the foreign trade sector. I graduated in 2022 and now work in the sales and pricing department at EvoLog Logistics."

Mert Başaran, 2021 yılı Dış Ticaret Programı mezunu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mert-basaran-51930b184/

"My career journey began with a small customs firm, where I spent over 1.5 years learning about imports and exports. Thanks to the up-to-date training in foreign trade regulations I received during my studies, I quickly added value to the company. Later, I shifted my focus to logistics, joining Horoz Bolloré as a Customer Representative Supervisor for Vestel. The career seminars organized by the university introduced me to various companies, which I then followed on social media to observe their workplace culture. The current and technological education provided by the university, along with the career planning support, gave me a solid foundation. I am genuinely grateful to my instructors and the university for their contributions to my professional journey."

Duygu Kalkan, 2019 yılı Dış Ticaret Programı mezunu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duygu-kalkan-031313177/

"During my studies at İzmir University of Economics, I interned at Qua Granite and the İzmir Chamber of Commerce. After graduation, I started my career as a Foreign Trade Specialist at Qua Granite. Currently, I work as Assistant Sales Manager at Desmell, a Switzerland-based company. The courses taught by esteemed instructors Halil Pak and Kenan Demirel have been instrumental in my career."

Yunus Emre Berber, 2019 yılı Dış Ticaret Programı mezunu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yunus-emre-berber-7142a6225/

"After completing the Foreign Trade Program, I expanded my family’s furniture manufacturing business by venturing into e-commerce. Later, we began exporting our products. The program helped me improve my foreign language skills and facilitated my understanding of export operations, which significantly benefited our business."

Dilek Keser, 2017 yılı Dış Ticaret Programı mezunu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilek-boran-803847141/

"After graduating from the Foreign Trade Program, I joined Ven Group, where I work on domestic and international offers, pre- and post-sales support, project management, site surveys, and progress payment arrangements. I am also pursuing a degree in International Trade and Logistics. The knowledge I gained during my studies, particularly on customer focus and market research, continues to guide me in my career."

Metin Taş, 2014 yılı Lojistik Uluslararası Ortak Ön Lisans Programı mezunu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/metin-ta%C5%9F-b66861188/

"The project-based education at İzmir University of Economics taught me problem-solving, time management, and teamwork skills. Thanks to this foundation, I excelled in logistics case competitions, placing third nationwide in 2016 and 2017. The English preparatory program improved my language proficiency, enabling me to work seamlessly in a global company like DHL Express. Currently, I work in the Post-Sales Support Department at DHL Express Istanbul Headquarters, having previously been part of the Customs Unit in the Operations Department."

Koray Bala,  2014 yılı Lojistik Uluslararası Ortak Ön Lisans Programı mezunu

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koraybala/

"Initially uncertain about applying the knowledge gained during my associate degree, I realized its value after transitioning to the International Trade and Finance Program. Concepts like finance and accounting, which others found challenging, came easily to me. The case study approach during my associate degree greatly facilitated my adaptation to the business world. This solid foundation enables me to resolve crises and make quick decisions in my current role."