TOBB ETÜ Economics Students Shared Their Experiences in the 2024–2025 Summer Term Cooperative Education Presentations

TOBB ETÜ Economics Department students came together on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in the 3rd Floor Meeting Room to share their Cooperative Education experiences.

In this event, which was open to all students, they presented the knowledge and skills they gained from working in a wide variety of sectors and institutions, ranging from public agencies and NGOs to companies operating in energy, technology, and auditing, as well as international economic organizations.

During their presentations, students shared detailed information about the fields of activity, organizational structures, corporate cultures, and opportunities of the institutions they worked with. They also reflected on their personal experiences, including the communication they established with colleagues, the skills they acquired, the challenges they faced, and the gains they achieved. One of our students, who completed her Cooperative Education abroad within the Erasmus+ program, shared insights into both her international work experience and the application and adaptation processes.

Following the presentations, participating students had the opportunity to ask the speakers questions and receive direct guidance on career planning. In this way, the event served not only as a platform for experience sharing but also as a space that fostered peer-to-peer learning and inspiring interaction.

Examples of Institutions Where Our Students Completed Their Cooperative Education and the Experiences They Gained:

Karel Inc.: A student who worked in the accounting department of Karel, a company active in electronics and defense industries, contributed to the company’s financial record processes. Through tasks such as daily accounting operations, invoice tracking, account management, and end-of-period reporting, the student gained valuable practical experience and a comprehensive view of corporate financial management.

EY Kuzey YMM: At EY, a global auditing and consulting firm, our student took part in financial reporting, tax consultancy, and internal auditing processes, gaining industry-specific knowledge and skills.

Gama Enerji Inc.: In the finance department of Gama Enerji, which operates in energy production and infrastructure investments, our student was actively involved in budgeting, cost analysis, and financial reporting processes, gaining insight into financial management in the energy sector.

Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO): Students working at ATO, one of Turkey's largest chambers of commerce, gained experience in local development, trade policies, and project development activities carried out with sector representatives. They also had the opportunity to observe the institutional structure and functioning of the chamber, acquiring practical knowledge about public-private sector interactions.

Economic Development Foundation (IKV) Brussels Office: A student working at the Brussels Representative Office of IKV, a key player in EU–Turkey relations, expanded his knowledge and awareness in areas such as trade negotiations and policy development. He also observed decision-making processes firsthand by participating in projects carried out with international institutions.

The event helped broaden our students' perspectives on their career journeys and supported peer learning, once again showcasing the Economics Department’s commitment to experience-based education.