At MAKÜ, students met with the industry during Tourism Career Days

The School-Sector Meeting held as part of the "Career Days" organized in collaboration with Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) Faculty of Tourism and the Professional Hotel Managers Association (POYD) brought together tourism sector representatives and students.

At the event held in the Avşarhan Building, 17 hotels set up stands to provide students with information about career opportunities. Students had the chance to meet with industry professionals one-on-one and received direct information about internship and job opportunities.

"Tourism is a bridge between cultures"

Speaking at the opening of the event, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism Prof. Dr. Murat Yeşiltaş emphasized that tourism is not only an economic activity but also a dynamic structure that connects cultures. Yeşiltaş stated that the sector has gained even more momentum after the pandemic and expressed the need for qualified and visionary young people in areas such as digitalization, sustainability, and experience-focused marketing.

Yeşiltaş pointed out that tourism revenues are increasing every year and highlighted the importance of a well-equipped human resource for Turkey to take a stronger share in the growing tourism market. Addressing the students, Yeşiltaş said that the event should be seen not only as a job opportunity but also as an inspiring step in their career journey.

"Aim to be a leader, not just an employee"

Speaking on behalf of POYD, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bahar gave advice to students on gaining a leadership vision. Bahar stated that making a difference in the tourism sector comes through professional knowledge and experience, and emphasized that young people should add meaning to their work and continuously develop themselves.

"Practical education is our priority"

MAKÜ Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Tekşen also stated that as a university, they place great importance on practical education. Tekşen expressed that they aim for students to graduate by developing theoretical knowledge in close contact with the sector and said that organizations like career days should be widespread in all faculties and departments.

Emphasizing that career planning is critically important for individuals to determine their area of expertise and gain experience, Tekşen stated that the event will contribute to students clarifying their future goals.

The School-Sector Meeting, which took place with intense participation, ended with productive meetings where students directly communicated with sector representatives.