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Masters course leads alumna to Assistant Professor opportunity in Turkey

Masters course leads alumna to Assistant Professor opportunity in Turkey

Published: 14 Mar 2023

Merve Oksuz

The lecturers were always guiding me and were nice, the fun conversations on campus with our friends, the coffees between classes, the beauty of London.

Merve, Postgraduate, Alumni

Assistant Professor, Başkent University

International Business MSc - 2011

From Turkey

Previous Institution

Başkent University - Undergraduate

Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?

Studying at Brunel was a great opportunity. Particularly, in academia, I always felt the difference of being at Brunel Alumni. Graduating from Brunel University and living in London has given me a lot, both academically and in terms of life vision. Now I share the knowledge I gained in Turkey with my students. Studying in Brunel was a privilege.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

After graduating from Brunel University London, I came back to Turkey and started my Business Administration - Marketing Ph.D. at Bilgi University in Istanbul. At the same time, I was working as a lecturer at Maltepe University Vocational School in Tourism and Hotel Management program in Istanbul. In 2019, I got my Marketing Ph.D. degree, then, I started to work as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Fine Arts, Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Program for two years. I have been working as Assistant Professor since 2021, in the Faculty of Commercial Science, Tourism Management Program at Baskent University where I got my bachelor's degree in 2008, in Ankara. Now, I'm glad to teach several bachelor's and master's degree courses to my students in my school! My research topics are tourism management, tourism marketing, sustainable tourism, and eco-gastronomy.

What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?

Living abroad and having a master's degree improved both my vision and my English. Therefore, I think it was an important milestone in my career in Turkey. I was always different from others and I always felt it. When I had the opportunity to reflect what I learned there to my academic life, I had the chance to easily get a PhD.

How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?

The education system and quality of Brunel University are similar to Baskent University, from which I graduated and now continue my academic life. Studying in quality schools comes with certain standards. Afterward, I could easily complete my doctorate at Bilgi University, which has full English education. Apart from that, I have more opportunities to write international articles and be part of international projects compared to my other colleagues because I have the excellent command of English.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

I decided by looking at the ranking and the status of the graduates. Brunel University graduated is a privilege and I recommend it to everyone.

What is your best memory of studying here?

At first the courses were very difficult. The lecturers are always guiding me and were nice, the fun conversations on campus with our friends, the coffees between classes, the beauty of London. I wish I had a post-doc opportunity.

If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?

Get out of school, blend in the community, improve your English and your vision. These days don't come back again.

What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?

Never give up, don't listen to those who try to discourage you, go your way and work hard! Believe me, nothing happens without work!

#IamBrunel