An event titled “Bringing the Sociology Family Together from Past to Present” was organized by Üsküdar University Alumni Association and Career Center Department, together with the Department of Sociology of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Sociology Club. As part of the event, alumni and students came together. During the event, alumni shared their career paths and post-graduation experiences, while students had the opportunity to learn about professional orientations and future plans.
The event, held in the Socrates Hall of Üsküdar University South Campus E Block, was attended by Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan, Head of the Sociology Department; Assistant Professor Dr. Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences; Res. Asst. Bengi Çakmak; and Remziye Çopur, Head of Üsküdar University Alumni Association and Career Center Department.
The moderation and opening speech of the event were delivered by Res. Asst. Dr. Berat Dağ. Dr. Dağ emphasized the importance of being present today.
“Our doors are always open to our students...”
In their opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Barış Erdoğan and Assistant Professor Dr. Nihan Kalkandeler Özdin spoke about the importance of bringing together alumni and students who are at the first steps of their career journeys. The professors, who also told the students, “Our doors are always open to you,” expressed their happiness to be together.
Remziye Çopur: “We are always with our alumni”
Later, Remziye Çopur, Head of the Career Center Department, stated; “All our graduates hold great importance for our university. We are always with our alumni through various events and training programs organized by our Career Center and Alumni Association.”
Following the speeches, Res. Asst. Dr. Berat Dağ handed the floor to the alumni to share their experiences, advice, and wishes.
Alumni shared their experiences with students...
Elif Akdemir, one of the first graduates of the Sociology department, who completed her undergraduate and graduate education at Üsküdar University, stated that she worked as a philosophy teacher for a period after graduation. Akdemir, currently working as an Assistant Reporting Specialist, said; “Even if sectors are not on the same basis as sociology itself, this discipline gives the power to analyze almost every detail or data in life. When I first graduated from my undergraduate program, I didn't know what or how to do things. The question 'What should I add to myself for this sector?' was one of the important questions I asked myself. As a result, I realized that what was important was to solidify my path with the education I received.”
Nur Yıldız, a 2021 graduate who completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Üsküdar University, stated that her student years were very enjoyable. Yıldız, who worked at Yeşilay for a period, said; “Sociology strengthened my imagination, enabled me to be an individual with high awareness, and allowed me to look at life from different perspectives.”
Gizem Erbaş, a 2022 graduate who actively serves as an assistant director at the institution where she provides Guidance and Counseling, said; “After graduating, I understood the value of the university, and I am very happy to be here today. Discover your talent, you will definitely shine.” Erbaş also cited the education company she shaped on her self-established social media platform as an example, saying, “When you learn what you want and what you do well, you find your way,” and then passed the floor to her fellow alumni.
Similarly, Burak Harun Kaplan, a 2022 graduate, stated that after graduating with a double major in Psychology and Sociology, he completed his master's degree in Forensic Sciences. Kaplan emphasized that the Sociology, Psychology, and Forensic Sciences courses he took on crime were extremely beneficial in practicing his profession, stating that he founded a company providing expert witness services in the field of body language and especially micro-expressions within the scope of forensic sciences, supported by social media influence.
Finally, the graduates of the Sociology Department shared their experiences in the academic field. İsmet Taha Kılıç, a 2023 graduate, stated that he is pursuing his master's degree in Sociology and Family Counseling while practicing a profession that provides for his livelihood. Kılıç concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of progressing in many different fields without losing the main focus of becoming an academician.
Subsequently, Hümanur Eren, also a 2023 graduate, took the floor and stated that after working as a political consultant and market researcher in research companies for a period, she turned to academia. Eren, who is pursuing her master's degree in sociology of religion, said, “Sociology developed my ability to reason in human relationships.”
Alumni pursuing careers in various fields such as academia, media, voice acting, civil society organization research, and family counseling expressed that they missed campus life and offered wishes and hopes to Sociology Department students to make the most of the opportunities provided by the university.
Finally, Şeyma Bihter Kanbur, President of the Sociology Club, thanked the participants by saying; “We really wanted to organize the meeting we held today. We have concerns about what we will do when we graduate. Therefore, your sharing of experiences with us today was very valuable. As a club, we will continue to organize many more wonderful events and projects.”
The event concluded with a group photo session.