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Sıla Aktaş, Social Media Manager at RE/MAX, was a guest speaker in the RTV 234 Social Media course, where she shared current developments in digital marketing along with her professional experience with our students. Within the scope of the session, a wide range of topics were covered, from the fundamental dynamics of digital marketing to social media strategies, content creation, and target audience analysis. Aktaş presented concrete examples of how digital communication is structured, particularly in the real estate sector, demonstrating how theoretical knowledge is applied in practice. Through real campaign cases, she emphasized that successful social media management goes beyond simply sharing content; it requires effective data analysis, precise targeting, and a strong understanding of platform dynamics.

Students had the opportunity to gain insight into real-world practices while also learning about career opportunities in the field of digital marketing. In the final part of the session, a Q&A segment allowed students to directly engage with a sector professional and ask their questions. This interactive component not only increased student participation but also enhanced the overall learning experience. Such events, which bring together academia and industry, once again highlighted their significant contribution to students’ professional development.

The “Technology Addiction Project,” carried out במסגרת the IEU 200 Volunteering Studies course, stood out as a significant social responsibility initiative that enabled students to develop awareness at both individual and societal levels. Throughout the project, students actively participated in seminars addressing various types of addiction, particularly technology addiction, and contributed to the organization of awareness-raising activities within the university. In this context, the “Combating Addiction” training delivered by Expert Psychologist Özgen Kaplan in collaboration with the Yeşilay Counseling Center (YEDAM) supported participants in approaching the issue from a critical perspective.

The project was not limited to theoretical knowledge; it also drew attention with its practice-based activities. Students gained institutional experience by participating in Yeşilay events, while seminars and interactive Q&A sessions held at the university contributed to increasing awareness levels. In addition, a survey conducted via QR code enabled the analysis of students’ technology usage habits based on empirical data. Presentations on the symptoms, risk factors, and societal impacts of technology addiction encouraged participants to reconsider their digital habits. The findings of the project revealed a growing trend in screen time and addiction tendencies among young people, once again highlighting the importance of awareness initiatives. The project was completed with final presentations held on January 19, 2026, and attracted attention with its structure that successfully integrated theory and practice, as well as its strong focus on social contribution. Overall, the project made a meaningful contribution to students’ development not only in academic terms but also in fostering a sense of social responsibility.

Dr. Kenan Demirel, a faculty member of the Foreign Trade Program, paid a visiting scholar visit to St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences in Austria. During the three-day academic visit, Dr. Demirel delivered hands-on courses in the field of digital marketing and participated in workshop activities.

Throughout the visit, key topics such as digital marketing strategies, new media dynamics, and current industry-based practices were addressed. The courses particularly focused on brand management on digital platforms, data-driven marketing approaches, and analyses based on contemporary industry cases. In the workshops, students had the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practice through group work based on real-world industry cases. Within the scope of the academic program, Dr. Demirel engaged in academic exchange with scholars from different disciplines, including Prof. Dr. Helmut Kammerzelt and Fabian Bergner, during which potential opportunities for inter-university collaboration and prospective joint projects were discussed. This academic visit supported international experience sharing by providing up-to-date perspectives on digital marketing for both students and academics.

https://www.ustp.at/de/stories/news/digital-marketing-in-der-hotelbranche

As part of the “Apprentices Ask the Masters” event organized within the İzmir University of Economics Vocational School Foreign Trade Program, Kemal Kadirhan, co-founder of ROI Driven Digital Marketing Agency and a Lecturer, met with students as a guest speaker. During the event, Kadirhan shared his professional experience while discussing the role of digital marketing in foreign trade processes, performance-driven marketing strategies, and sector-based practices. His insights into ROI (Return on Investment)–focused approaches, data-driven decision-making, and the contribution of digital channels to export activities attracted significant interest from the students.

Throughout the event, students had the opportunity to directly ask questions about the industry, creating an interactive learning environment where academic knowledge and field experience converged. The event stood out for its practical perspective and proved to be an inspiring experience for students planning a career in foreign trade.

Gökhan Beyaz, Managing Director of Avicoaching UK, met with our students and shared his sectoral experience. In the seminar, which attracted significant participation, Beyaz delivered an extensive presentation on globally changing workforce dynamics, career planning, personal development strategies, and international career opportunities.

During the event, Beyaz provided valuable insights to students particularly in the areas of aviation, cabin services, communication, management, and career development, emphasizing the key points young individuals should consider as they prepare for professional life. The question–answer session, where students addressed their inquiries, also received great interest.

In his talk, Beyaz discussed topics such as building a career abroad, interview techniques, personal branding, confidence building, and effective communication skills, while also introducing the range of services Avicoaching offers to students. At the end of the seminar, a plaque of appreciation was presented to Beyaz.

Phinia Türkiye, a global technology company operating in the fields of advanced fuel systems, energy efficiency, and environmental technologies, met with our students. During the seminar attended by Elif Pınar Erden, Health, Safety, and Environment Manager at Phinia Türkiye, our students had the opportunity to gain first-hand insights into industry expectations, corporate communication, and career journeys through real-life examples. In the interactive session, Ms. Erden emphasized the impact of corporate culture on employee behavior, stating that a safe working environment can be achieved not only through technical measures but also through a strong communication network. Sharing significant case studies from the field, she provided valuable perspectives on professional communication. At the end of the seminar, students asked questions about communication challenges and practical solutions encountered in the business world.

Our Foreign Trade Program students from Izmir University of Economics Vocational School visited the Logistech Fair on October 8, 2025, as part of a technical field trip. Held at Fuar Izmir, the event provided students with the opportunity to closely examine the latest developments, emerging technologies, and innovative practices in the logistics and foreign trade sectors.

Throughout the visit, students gained insights into supply chain management, transportation technologies, storage solutions, and digital logistics systems. They also had the chance to interact directly with industry professionals, linking the theoretical knowledge acquired in class with real-world applications. The technical trip aimed to enhance students’ professional awareness, help them better understand the significance of logistics processes in foreign trade, and contribute to their future career development. At the end of the visit, students stated that the experience offered them a new perspective and described it as both educational and inspiring.

Our students volunteered at the “Bazaar of Kindness” event, held on May 3–4, 2025, at the İZFAŞ Gaziemir Fairground. Organized under the leadership of LÖSEV (The Foundation for Children with Leukemia), this meaningful event showcased the spirit of solidarity and compassion, with four of our students setting a remarkable example of social responsibility. The Bazaar of Kindness aimed to boost the morale of children with leukemia and their families, raise public awareness, and strengthen the sense of community through the participation of numerous volunteers. The event featured workshops, stage performances, and a variety of booths that offered visitors both a fun and meaningful experience. Throughout the event, our students took on organizational roles, actively supporting the activities on the ground while also contributing to LÖSEV’s ongoing social responsibility initiatives. Their dedication and enthusiasm received widespread appreciation from both event visitors and LÖSEV officials. We take great pride in our socially conscious students and extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this heartwarming and impactful event.

As part of the Professional Development Activities course offered by the Foreign Trade Program at İzmir University of Economics Vocational School, Ms. Gülşah Çolak, Assistant Specialist in Human Resources at SOCAR Türkiye, was welcomed as a guest speaker. During the event, Ms. Çolak shared in-depth information about the dynamic structure of the energy sector, human resources processes, and recruitment policies. She offered valuable advice on career planning for new graduates, interview preparation, and adapting to corporate life. Attracting great interest from students, the session also featured Ms. Çolak sharing her personal career experiences and answering questions from the participants. She also provided up-to-date information on internship and career opportunities at SOCAR Türkiye. The event served as a valuable opportunity for students to engage directly with a sector professional and gain insights to help shape their career paths.