 An interesting fact that you might want to keep in mind is that most people work in a field other than what they study in university. We can look at Yiğit Turhan as an example. Turhan is a young, energetic, and highly creative individual. He has dreams like all of us, but one difference is that he works extremely hard to reach out to achieve his goals, and he will do whatever it takes. So, who is Yiğit Turhan? Most of you might remember him from the “Runaway Sheep.” He used to write for Bilkent News, which is until he graduated from the Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EE) Department of Bilkent University. And where is he now? He is a master's student of marketing management at the University of Bocconi in Italy and working for Frankie Morello at the same time. And finally, where did all this start?
While studying EE, Turhan always found himself having a passion for fashion. His creative personality encouraged his fashion senses to come out from under the rock. I asked him if he thinks studying EE has had any kind of influence.
“EE at Bilkent was the best education I could get in Turkey,” he said. “It gave me certain analytical thinking skills that help me a lot in my career, there's also the 'wow' factor when they see you have a different background. Then again, I always loved challenging myself, so EE at Bilkent was a way to improve myself.”
 In the topic of not studying Communication and Design (COMD) at Bilkent, he argued that he “was into studying interior design rather than COMD. My mother's a journalist with a background in COMD but I wanted to choose a different path and get an education in engineering. I believe once you get your engineering degree from Bilkent, you can almost accomplish anything. It was that challenging!”
Before continuing the interview, however, in order for Turhan to have an even better understanding of fashion and to be able to keep up with the trends, he worked part-time in Rinascente (which is the Italian version of Beymen). After having a glimpse of the fashion industry in Italy, he applied to Frankie Morello for an internship, and not surprisingly, he got accepted.
This is, of course, through sending his CV in such a creative manner that it caught the attention of the HR department. He formed a creative booklet for his curriculum and put it on Facebook to get even more attention.
The interview continued:
BilNews: What motivated you to get into Vogue? Do you have anything to do with Vogue Turkey?
Yiğit Turhan: I've been interviewed by Vogue Turkey thanks to the success of the marketing campaign I designed for Frankie Morello in Italy. My project's been in the most important newspapers like La Repubblica and Corriere Della Sera as well.
BN: Do you design? Or are you just in the marketing sector of that brand?
YT: I am in charge of web interactions, general communications and marketing campaigns of the brand.
BN: Do you have any plans to be a part of other brands?
YT: I'm working on a project with Trussardi at the moment for their café.
BN: Working for Frankie Morello, what do you hope to gain? How will working for them change you or influence/motivate you?
YT: They are one of the most innovative brands of Italy; they are young, energetic and fun. They are open to new ideas which are why I find it a great experience working here.
BN: What do you think to yourself when you see someone wearing clothes that are a big 'no no'?
YT: I don't judge anyone; I think that's something I've gained here, nobody cares about anybody here. Everybody's entitled to their opinions and choices in life; then again, I am a fan of those big 'no no' clothes, so...
When asked what fashion is Turhan believes it is a game based on making a difference. Having a wide background covering many areas gives him a great opportunity to pursue his dreams. Turhan wishes to take the road with the most creativity so he can improve himself in all those areas (engineering, literature, marketing, and fashion).
For more information about Turhan, you can visit
http://kankanerdeyimben.blogspot.com/2010/04/genius-turkish-guy-rocks-fashion-world.html and http://www.voguemag.com.tr/Fashion/Interview/InterviewDetail.aspx?ID=77744fbd-859e-4f6a-9232-03927b3b1457
It is important to have an idea of what you want to do after graduation, even if you are not studying in a department where you are not enjoying the classes. At least having an idea of what you want to do will guide you on the road you are supposed to take. Congratulations to Yiğit Turhan for his excellent work and for continuing to do what he loves.
Have you thought about your life after graduation?
BY İrem Esen (MAN/III)
Bilkent News
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