Graduates of the Near East University Faculty of Tourism, who have achieved success in various fields such as Cooking, Tourism and Hotel Management, and Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, returned to their university years later and shared their experiences in the tourism sector with students.
The annual “Graduates Speaking: Being a Near Easterner” event, held by the Near East University Faculty of Tourism, brought graduates and students together again this year. Industry professionals who graduated from the Near East University Faculty of Tourism years ago reunited with students at their former university, sharing the values the university has added to their career paths and their experiences.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Near East University Faculty of Tourism, the Department of Tourism and Hotel Management, the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, and the Tourism Research Center, was held in the Green Hall of the Faculty of Tourism. The graduates shared their knowledge and experience with students, emphasizing how the vision they gained during their university years played a decisive role in their careers.
Near East University graduates have a voice in the tourism world!
Near East University graduates who graduated from the Faculty of Tourism in various years between 2006 and 2020 are now successfully working in various areas of the tourism sector. Among the graduates who attended the event were Gökhan Dokgöz, a 2010 Tourism Faculty graduate and the Italian Cuisine Chef at the Merit Royal Hotel; Tünay Zort, a 2012 graduate and Human Resources Manager at The Arkın Colony Hotel; and Pembe Güren, a Public Relations Assistant at the same hotel. Also attending the event were Nalan Nar, a 2018 graduate and an Agency Manager at Sevener Travel Agency; and Ömer Beyoğlu, a 2014 graduate and owner and director of OBT Travel and Cyprus Fun Travel. Graduates from diverse career paths shared their experiences online.
Among the graduates who participated in the event online were Cem Çağdaş Çetin, a 2009 graduate who serves as Sales Manager for Turkey, the Middle East, and Africa at The Hotels Network, and Mari Pchelnikova, a 2020 graduate who serves as “Les Clefs d’Or Turkey Concierge” at the Ajwa Sultanahmet Hotel. Additionally, Ozan Giray, a 2018 graduate and Front Office Manager at Wyndham Tarsus St. Paul Hotel; Fatih Tay, Human Resources Director at Hilton Turkey; and Medine Demir, a 2020 graduate and owner and director of Marvin Chocolate & Café, also joined the event online. Doğan Çamur, a 2016 graduate and Contract Manager for the Peninsula Aegean Region, and Volkan Köse, a 2009 graduate and Commercial Director of Hilton Bomonti Hotel, shared their experiences on their career paths and contributed to the event.
Near East University guided us!
Speaking at the event, Nalan Nar stated that she had the privilege of studying at Near East University, saying, “Studying alongside friends from different countries around the world provided us with the opportunity to experience cultural diversity and gain an international perspective.” Ömer Beyoğlu, who noted that he took an active role in numerous events and organizations during his student years, said, “These activities contributed greatly to our exposure to the industry at an early age and to the shaping of our professional orientation. By the time we graduated from our university, we had internalized the values of patience, perseverance, and a love for our profession, which are essential for our success.”
Speaking at the event, Gökhan Dokgöz noted that he stepped into the industry early during his student years, saying, “During this period, I had the opportunity to work with many esteemed and renowned chefs, and I constantly strived to learn from them.” Pembe Güren, expressing her passion for her profession, said, “I never give up on my efforts to please our guests.” Güren noted that the friendships formed during university years continued after graduation. Tünay Zort, on the other hand, stated that internships are decisive in career planning, saying, “Our internships played a significant role in determining our future fields.” Zort emphasized the importance of continuing development after graduation.
