Bilkent News interviewed Dean of Students Zeynep Köksal about Career Days to get some inside information about the objectives of the Career Days and her expectations of the Career Fair in particular.
Where did the idea for a Career Fair come from?
The whole idea was conceived last year during a meeting sometime in early October. Representatives of various departments came together in the Rector's office to brainstorm about the annual 'CV' booklets. During the meeting one of the professors suggested that a career fair could be considered to promote our graduates. That comment clicked with a dream of mine: I had visited some universities in the U.S. that organized similar events for their students. I shared the idea with Yıldız Öztürk, KAYIYEM Acting Coordinator, who was brave enough to jump into it. As soon as our Rector gave us a green light we rolled up our sleeves and started working on the organization of the Career Fair, which is part of our larger Career Days event.
How did you organize the event?
I believe in teamwork and therefore I try to be as inclusive as possible, asking for help and support from other units. In this particular case we encouraged student participation. In fact, since my office is in charge of education outside the classroom, student participation was crucial in this project. We formed an Administrative Committee and a Communications Committee. All together there were 25 people representing the administrative, academic staff, and students to begin with.
In addition, we will have 20 more students working on the Career Fair day.
What kind of student help did you get?
Three clubs, namely the Economy and Management, Human Resources, and MBA clubs, mobilized their members in addition to the volunteers in the graduating classes representing the Career Office. They worked diligently and contributed with their dynamism, spontaneity, creativity, time, and ideas. Without their help it would have been a dull experience.
What are the pros and cons of organizing a large event like this in a university?
Since we are giving a modern education at Bilkent, we are responsible for undertaking such events. It is a learning experience for all parties involved, and we all develop a sense of ownership in the project and in the university.
What are your expectations of this Career Fair and Career Days in general?
If we can build a bridge between the school and work, the mission is accomplished.
Are you planning to do it again next year?
It all depends on the level of student participation and the feedback we receive at the end of the Fair this year.
Thank you.
