IGU–İŞKUR Collaboration Leads the Way in Youth Employment: Next Gen’25

Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Career Guidance Application and Research Center, in cooperation with İŞKUR, organized a major event shedding light on youth employment. Next Gen’25, titled “New Approaches in Youth Employment: The New Face of Career in the Era of Twin Transformation,” brought together academics, industry representatives, and students to comprehensively discuss the ongoing transformation in the world of careers.

“True Success Is Possible Through the Harmony of University–Public–Industry Collaboration”

Next Gen’25, organized in cooperation with IGU Career Guidance Application and Research Center and İŞKUR, began with an opening speech by IGU Career Center Deputy Director Asst. Prof. Kenan Akpınar. Asst. Prof. Akpınar emphasized the importance of collaboration:
“True success is possible through the harmony and coordination of university–public–industry cooperation. Bringing together these three forces is the key to unlocking the potential of our youth. The effort we present here today is the product of this understanding. When universities, the industry, and public institutions unite, knowledge, experience and equal opportunity merge and opportunities for our youth multiply.” He highlighted that the primary goal of the event is to bring academics and industry representatives together, foster a culture of collaboration, and develop projects that will strengthen youth employment.

“Green Transformation and Digital Transformation Create Major Opportunities for Youth”

In his opening speech, Tarık Bozkurt, Branch Manager of İŞKUR Büyükçekmece Service Center, stressed that green and digital transformation bring significant job opportunities for young people: “İŞKUR is not only an institution that brings together job seekers and employers; it also sees all actors in the labor market as stakeholders, with universities being among the most important. Addressing youth employment today at Istanbul Gelisim University is extremely valuable. The greatest challenge young people face in job seeking is the lack of experience. Meanwhile, rapid global developments are transforming our understanding of careers. Especially green and digital transformation open major opportunities for youth. Today, we will evaluate how these opportunities can reveal young people’s potential and how skill-based competencies can be acquired.”

“The Greatest Legacy We Leave to Our Children Is a Qualified and Competent Workforce”

In his address, IGU Career Center and Alumni Coordination Office Director Asst. Prof. Mustafa Özan emphasized the importance of collaboration for building the future:
“Our priority at the Career Center is the ‘competency theme.’ Our aim is to train competent and qualified young people. Of course, this is not a process we can achieve alone. Support from NGOs and industry representatives is essential. Today, our students are taking their first steps in their career journey. My team and I accompany them closely during the orientation process. Afterwards, you, our valuable stakeholders, guide them through planning and development. Together, we will build the future. When achieved through unity and cooperation, the greatest legacy we leave our children will be a competent workforce.”

“Our Graduates Are Actively Involved in Business Life Across Türkiye”

IGU Vice Rector Prof. Arda Öztürkcan underlined the importance of university–industry cooperation:
“Although universities like ours are considered ‘under 25 years old,’ we have achieved successes that allow us to compete with well-established global universities, despite being only 17 years old. Our graduates are actively involved across Türkiye as employers, employees, managers, and entrepreneurs. With our international accreditations, our students’ diplomas are now recognized worldwide. After hosting over a hundred evaluation groups since 2018, we have seen that cooperation with external stakeholders is essential. As a university whose diplomas hold global value, we need more platforms to collaborate with our stakeholders. Through our Continuing Education Centers, we can offer specialized training, and with our advanced research technology centers, we can develop joint projects with you. In addition to education and research, we also maintain our social responsibility mission and conclude today’s event with a sustainability panel—one of the most important topics of our time.”
Prof. Öztürkcan stated that they will continue making December a special period dedicated to academic achievements and alumni engagement.

Over 100 Companies and 300 Sector Representatives Gathered at IGU

During the event, more than 100 companies and over 300 industry representatives came together at Istanbul Gelisim University to discuss labor market needs, the impact of digital and green transformation on employment, and new career models. İŞKUR Job and Vocational Counselor Coşkun Yakıcı delivered an informative presentation, followed by a panel discussion titled “New Approaches in Youth Employment: The New Face of Career in the Era of Twin Transformation.”

The panel, moderated by IGU faculty member Dr. Gonca Yılmaz, featured the following speakers: Aslı Dede – Founder of Sustainable Life School & Communication Consultant, Mehtap Altuğ – Manager of Sustainability and Social Impact, Development and Investment Bank, Dr. Cihan Kurt – Board Member, Çuhadaroğlu Holding, Efe Gökçe – Editor-in-Chief, Yeşil İş Platformu & Business World Global.

Strengthening Student Career Opportunities Through Industry–University Collaboration

Next Gen’25 aims to strengthen sectoral stakeholder networks across all academic programs of the university, support students in career planning, and foster sustainable collaborations with the business world. Istanbul Gelisim University, by inviting all its academics to this large-scale event centered on the future of professions and competencies, aims to make a strong contribution to enhancing employment opportunities for young people.