REPUBLIC OF TÜRKİYE

PAMUKKALE UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

ADVISORY BOARD MEETING - IV

Meeting Date and Time: July 30, 2024 – 10:00

Venue: Denizli İŞKUR Provincial Directorate

Participants:

  • Chair of the Advisory Board: Prof. Dr.Mehmet İVRENDİ
  • Department Faculty Representatives:
    • Prof. Dr. Reşat CEYLAN
    • Prof. Dr. Cemil ÇİFTÇİ
    • Asst. Prof. Dr. Halil UÇAL
  • Public Institution Representative: Fatih IŞIK
  • NGO Representative: Mehmet SAMUR
  • Private Sector Executive: Murat ÖZDEMİR
  • Tradesperson: Hıdır KANDEMİR
  • Sector Professional: Şencan FELEK
  • Alumni Representative: Cihat PAKYÜREK

Agenda:

  1. Expectations of the business world from graduates.
  2. Methods to increase interaction between sector representatives and students.
  3. Actions to help students familiarize themselves with professional life.
  4. Adaptation of Generation Z students and graduates to the business world.
  5. Strategies to enhance student quality over quantity.
  6. Determining graduate thesis topics in line with industry needs.

Meeting Summary: At the beginning of the meeting, the expectations of the business world specifically in Denizli were addressed. The importance of language education was emphasized, and it was noted that directing students toward social activities such as sports and music would contribute to their quality and strengthen their communication skills. It was observed that the new generation, known as Generation Z, faces challenges in communicating with Generation Y employees, employers, and managers. Consequently, the importance of sector representatives participating as guest speakers in 3rd and 4th-year classes was highlighted. This will allow students to learn how to prepare for professional life directly from future employers or experienced professionals. Additionally, the issue of high turnover rates due to a lack of sense of belonging among students was discussed, along with what universities can do to address this.

Another key topic was the importance of determining graduate thesis topics based on the needs and demands of the business world. Theses with real-world applications will foster university-public-private sector cooperation. Furthermore, given the density of exporting firms in Denizli, the business world's need for employees proficient in foreign languages was stated, calling for greater emphasis on foreign language education.

Conclusion and Recommendations: In line with the participants' views, it was recommended that sector representatives participate in 3rd and 4th-year classes and that students conduct company visits. It was suggested that firms should provide opportunities for their employees to pursue graduate studies and that thesis topics should be aligned with business requirements. The meeting concluded by setting the date for the next meeting.

 


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