The First Step on the Career Journey: Bridging Graduation and Working Life Explored at Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul Gelisim University continues its career-focused events aimed at preparing students for professional life after graduation. The event titled "Bridging Graduation and Working Life: Career Planning" aimed to help students gain a closer understanding of industry dynamics and contribute to their career planning. Guest speaker Özge Özkan Gezergen, Founder and Human Resources Consultant at Leap Up Career, shared examples from her own career journey and offered important assessments on recruitment processes, the competencies sought in candidates, and career development. In the event, which progressed interactively through a Q&A session, students aimed to gain awareness about the transition from academia to professional life.

“The Employee Experience Begins with the First Phone Call”

Speaking at the event, Gezergen drew attention to the way human resources and corporate communications processes have become intertwined in today's business world, and emphasized that the employee experience begins from the very first step of the recruitment process.
Stating that “employees are no longer just looking for a job, they are looking for a vision that will add value to them”, Gezergen expressed that employer branding has become an important necessity for companies.

Noting that communications professionals have important responsibilities in the accurate conveyance of internal communications processes, Gezergen touched on the importance of students building their personal brands in order to stand out in the future business world.

“As communications professionals, each of you is also a brand. To be lasting in the business world and to position yourself correctly, you must build your own personal brand.”

Gezergen also noted that actively and professionally using LinkedIn will provide a significant advantage in students' career journeys.

The event concluded with a group photograph following the Q&A session, and contributed to students gaining important insights about the business world by coming together with industry professionals.