Üsküdar University Alumni Association and the Department of Career Center, in collaboration with the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Department of Sociology and the Sociology Club, organized an event titled “Bringing the Sociology Family Together: From Past to Present.” The event brought together alumni and current students. Alumni shared their career journeys and post-graduation experiences, while students had the opportunity to learn about career paths and future prospects.
The event took place at Üsküdar University South Campus, Block E, Socrates Hall, and was attended by Prof. Barış Erdoğan, Head of the Department of Sociology, Dr. Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Research Assistant Bengi Çakmak, and Remziye Çopur, Head of the Alumni Association and Career Center Department.
The event was moderated and opened by Research Assistant Dr. Berat Dağ, who emphasized the importance of coming together for such gatherings.
“Our door is always open to our students”
As part of the opening remarks, Prof. Barış Erdoğan and Dr. Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin spoke about the importance of bringing together alumni and students who are at the beginning of their career journeys. The professors also expressed their happiness at being together and conveyed a heartfelt message to the students, saying, “Our door is always open to you.”
Remziye Çopur: “We always stand by our graduates”
Following the opening, Remziye Çopur, Head of the Career Center Department, stated, “All of our graduates hold great importance for our university. Through various events and training programs organized by our Career Center and Alumni Association, we always stand by our graduates.”
After the opening remarks, Dr. Berat Dağ gave the floor to alumni to share their experiences, advice, and messages with students.
Alumni shared their experiences with students
One of the first graduates of the Sociology Department, Elif Akdemir, who completed both her undergraduate and master’s studies at Üsküdar University, said she worked for a time as a philosophy teacher after graduation. Currently working as an Assistant Reporting Specialist, Akdemir said, “Even though the sectors we work in may not directly align with sociology, this discipline gives you the ability to analyze nearly every detail or piece of data in life. When I first graduated, I didn’t know exactly what to do or how to do it. Asking myself ‘What can I add to myself for this field?’ helped me realize that the key is to determine my path through the education I received.”
Nur Yıldız, a 2021 graduate who also completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees at Üsküdar University, said her student years were extremely enjoyable. She shared that she worked for a period at Yeşilay (The Green Crescent) and added, “Sociology strengthened my imagination, made me a more aware individual, and allowed me to view life from different perspectives.”
Gizem Erbaş, a 2022 graduate currently serving as Assistant Principal at the institution where she works as a guidance counselor, said, “After graduation, I truly understood the value of the university, and I’m very happy to be here today. Discover your talent, and you will shine.” She also shared her experience of founding an education company that grew through her own social media platform, saying, “When you know what you want and what you’re good at, you find your way.”
Burak Harun Kaplan, another 2022 graduate who completed a double major in Psychology and Sociology, mentioned that he went on to complete his master’s degree in Forensic Sciences. Kaplan stated that he founded a company providing expert witness services in the field of body language and micro-expressions within forensic sciences, a field he supports through social media. He emphasized that the courses he took in Sociology, Psychology, and Forensic Sciences were highly beneficial in his professional career.
The event continued with alumni who shared their academic experiences. İsmet Taha Kılıç, a 2023 graduate currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sociology and Family Counseling while working, noted that it is important to advance in different fields without losing focus on one’s main goal.
Hümanur Eren, also a 2023 graduate, said she worked for a time as a political consultant and market researcher in research firms before moving toward academia. Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Sociology of Religion, Eren stated, “Sociology improved my reasoning skills in human relations.”
Alumni who have built careers in academia, media, voice-over work, NGOs, and family counseling expressed how much they miss campus life and encouraged current Sociology students to take full advantage of the university’s opportunities.
Finally, Sociology Club President Şeyma Bihter Kanbur said, “We’ve long wanted to organize this reunion. When we graduate, we all have concerns about what to do next, so hearing your experiences today was truly valuable for us. As a club, we will continue to organize many more meaningful events and projects.”
The event concluded with a group photo session.