Department Activities
“1 Cup Is Enough” Event Held at Istanbul Gelisim University
As part of Zero Waste Week (June 1–7), Istanbul Gelisim University organized the “1 Cup Is Enough” event on June 3, 2026, at the Ötüken Conference Hall to promote sustainable living and raise environmental awareness.
The opening speech was delivered by Asst. Prof. Burcu Savaş Çelik, our department faculty member and Vice Director of the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center (SCTUAM). In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of promoting sustainable consumption habits and highlighted the role of individual awareness in addressing environmental challenges.
The keynote speaker of the event, Res. Asst. Eda Türkay, delivered a presentation titled “Sustainable Approaches in Film Production,” focusing on environmentally friendly practices in the cinema industry. Türkay underlined the growing significance of sustainable production in creative industries.
The “Shared Future Panel” brought together representatives from various organizations. UN Youth Ambassador Resul Hüseynzade, 3H Movement President Hayat Çınar, and Green For Youth Marketing and Business Development Director Nisa Arslan shared their insights on sustainability, environmental awareness among young people, and responsibilities toward future generations. The panel was moderated by activist and artist Batuhan Aysan.
In her closing remarks, Asst. Prof. Burcu Savaş Çelik emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering sustainability awareness and expressed her gratitude to the speakers, participants, and students who contributed to the organization of the event.
Organized with the support of the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center (SCTUAM) and student clubs of Istanbul Gelisim University, the “1 Cup Is Enough” event concluded as a significant awareness initiative aimed at promoting zero-waste practices and encouraging a culture of sustainable living.
Technical Visit to HGL Customs Consultancy by the Department of International Trade and Business
The Department of International Trade and Business organized a technical visit to HGL Customs Consultancy, one of its external stakeholders, with the aim of supporting students’ theoretical knowledge through industry practices and contributing to their professional development. The program was carried out under the leadership of Asst. Prof. Burcu Savaş Çelik.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge about customs consultancy processes, foreign trade operations, import and export procedures, customs regulations, and practices used within the sector. Presentations delivered by HGL Customs Consultancy representatives provided students with valuable insights into current practices and recent developments in the field of foreign trade.
Throughout the program, students had the opportunity to closely observe the practical applications of concepts covered theoretically in their courses while also interacting with industry professionals and gaining valuable experiences that may contribute to their future career planning. In addition, students’ questions were addressed by experts, and professional experiences from the sector were shared.
Department representatives emphasized the importance of university–industry collaboration in supporting students’ academic and professional development and stated that technical visits and practice-oriented activities that bring students together with the business world will continue.
As the Department of International Trade and Business, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to HGL Customs Consultancy representatives for their valuable contributions and hospitality.
UTI Career Meetings – 3 Event Successfully Held
Organized by the Department of International Trade and Business, the “UTI Career Meetings – 3” event titled “Türkiye’s Foreign Economic Relations and Global Markets” was held with strong student participation.
The seminar, organized on May 7, 2026, at K Block 347 Auditorium, focused on foreign economic relations, current developments in global markets, and Türkiye’s position within international trade.
The guest speaker of the seminar, Dr. Hakkı KARATAŞ, Chief Economist at DEİK – Foreign Economic Relations Board, shared valuable insights on global economic dynamics, international trade policies, and transformations in financial markets. The event was moderated by Asst. Prof. Burcu Savaş ÇELİK, faculty member of the Department of International Trade and Business.
During the event, students were also informed about DEİK’s fields of activity, its role in Türkiye’s economic diplomacy vision, the operations of business councils, and projects aimed at strengthening international trade relations. Students gained important insights into DEİK’s bridge-building role between the public sector and the business world, as well as its international trade networks.
Through this event, which brought together academia and industry professionals, students had the opportunity to gain knowledge about current economic developments while also benefiting from valuable career-oriented experiences. The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session that attracted significant interest from participants.
The Department of International Trade and Business aims to continue organizing career-oriented events that bring students together with industry representatives and experts in the future.
Sustainable Solutions to the Climate Crisis Discussed
The event titled “Protecting the Future: Climate Crisis and Sustainable Solutions” was held with strong participation from students.
The speaker of the event, Assist. Prof. Dr. Burcu Savaş Çelik—Deputy Director of the Sustainable Environment and Society Research and Application Center and a faculty member of the Department of International Trade and Business—addressed the global impacts of the climate crisis from a multidimensional perspective. Çelik emphasized that sustainability should be evaluated not only from an environmental perspective but also through its economic and social dimensions.
In her speech, Çelik discussed possible solutions to the increasingly deepening climate crisis and highlighted the importance of policies to be implemented at both institutional and governmental levels, alongside raising individual awareness. She stated that promoting sustainable production and consumption habits plays a critical role in leaving a more livable world for future generations.
During the event, which saw active participation from students, there was a productive exchange of ideas on the role of communication in combating climate change, sustainability-oriented projects, and current practices. Participants had the opportunity to benefit from the experiences of an expert academic and to directly ask their questions on the topic.
The event contributed to increasing students’ awareness of sustainability while also providing them with academic and sectoral perspectives.
Career Introduction from a Sustainability Perspective: Bridging Academia and Civil Society
The second Career Information Seminar was organized through the collaboration of the Department of International Trade and Business and the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center operating within our University, with the aim of strengthening academic–sectoral interaction. The invited speaker, Şafak Özsoy, provided comprehensive insights into current sustainability practices, approaches to sustainable development at both local and global levels, the roles undertaken by civil society organizations in these processes, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
During the seminar, guidance was offered particularly to students interested in pursuing careers in sustainability and to researchers aiming to conduct academic studies in this field. Emphasis was placed on the importance of developing projects at both individual and institutional levels in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as on the value of volunteering activities and social responsibility initiatives. Furthermore, the strategic importance of strengthening university–civil society cooperation in promoting sustainable environment and society awareness was highlighted.
Moderated by Başak Özarslan, the seminar fostered a discussion environment that integrated academic perspectives with practical experience, thereby contributing to increased awareness among participants. The program concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, providing an opportunity for students and academics to evaluate current developments in sustainability and to discuss potential avenues for future collaboration.
Overall, the event was considered a significant activity that contributed to our University’s sustainability-oriented institutional vision, strengthened academia–civil society engagement, and supported students’ professional orientation processes.
The Strenght of Türkiye: Forests
As part of Forest Week (March 21–26), the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center and our department participated as external stakeholders in the “The Strength of Türkiye: Forests” event organized by the General Directorate of Forestry.
The event was coordinated by our faculty member and Vice Director of the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center, Asst. Prof. Burcu SAVAŞ ÇELİK, together with our academic staff member, Research Assistant Çağrı Selman İĞDE. Students from UTİ-AKSEK (Academic, Cultural and Social Activities Club), the Department of International Trade and Business, and the Department of International Trade and Finance also actively participated in the event.
Held with strong participation and great interest, the event contributed to raising public awareness about the sustainability of forest resources, environmental consciousness, and their vital importance for future generations. It also once again highlighted the strategic role of protecting natural assets within the framework of sustainable development.
Sustainability Talks – IV Is Sustainability Possible Without Nuclear Energy?
Organized by the Sustainable Environment and Society Application and Research Center (SCTUAM), the fourth session of the Sustainability Talks series was held on February 17, 2026, under the title “Is Sustainability Possible Without Nuclear Energy?”
The guest speaker, nuclear energy expert Okan Yıldız, addressed the role of nuclear energy in the global energy transition, its potential contribution to reducing carbon emissions, and how it should be evaluated alongside renewable energy sources. Yıldız emphasized the need for a multidimensional assessment of energy scenarios in terms of energy security, supply continuity, and climate goals.
The session was moderated by our department's faculty member and SCTUAM Director Assoc. Prof. Başak Özarslan, who highlighted the importance of addressing sustainability policies not only from an environmental perspective but also through their economic and social dimensions, stressing the necessity of interdisciplinary approaches.
With active participation from attendees, the event evolved into an interactive discussion covering renewable energy investments, the safety aspects of nuclear technologies, waste management, and the future of energy policies within the framework of sustainable development goals.
1. Traditional UTI Autumn Festival Held with Enthusiasm
"Customs Procedures and Inspection Practices" Discussed at UTİ Career Meetings
"Emotional Agility" Seminar Held
A Groundbreaking Journey into the Depths of Our Minds: "Discover the Power of Your Mind with Neuromarketing"
Istanbul Gelişim University (IGU), Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Department of International Trade and Business, organized a remarkable seminar on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 2:30 PM in the J Block Firnas Auditorium.
In today's complex market world, do we truly make our decisions when choosing a product or service, or are we guided by the hidden codes of our subconscious? Asst. Prof. Pınar Alyar explored the scientific answer to this question.
As part of the seminar, Asst. Prof. Alyar delved into the manipulative impact of the marketing stimuli we encounter in daily life on our minds, how brands subtly manipulate us, and the unwavering role of our subconscious in decision-making processes.
Logic or Emotion? The Hidden Power Behind Purchasing Choices
Asst. Prof. Alyar demonstrated that a large portion of our choices are driven by our emotions and reactions fueled by the complex workings of the brain, rather than conscious reasoning with striking and groundbreaking examples. This presentation, which proved that emotional intelligence is the hidden power behind our purchasing decisions, challenged all known marketing stereotypes.
Throughout this journey, participants deeply analyzed the powerful influence of emotional reactions and the subconscious mind on decision-making. This gave them the opportunity to understand the hidden dynamics behind both their own consumption behavior and their overall purchasing motivations with a clearer awareness.
IGU: The Bridge Connecting Future Leaders with Science
With such visionary events, the International Trade and Business Department aims to equip its students with the analytical thinking and critical awareness skills required by the age, beyond mere academic knowledge.
Inspiring Seminar on Leadership at UBS
Asst. Prof. Sezer Ayaz, faculty member of the Department of International Trade and Business (English) and Erasmus Coordinator, met with students and academics at the "Leadership Seminar" event hosted by the University of Business and Science (UBS). The seminar shared valuable insights on effective leadership approaches, motivation management, and the importance of team spirit in the modern world. (Namangan, Uzbekistan — October 28, 2025).
In his speech, Asst. Prof. Sezer Ayaz emphasized that leadership is not just a title, but a vision and a sense of responsibility. He offered practical examples and academic perspectives to help participants discover their own leadership potential.
The seminar took place at 10:00 a.m. Turkish time on the UBS Namangan campus (Promzona, 3-o‘quv binosi). The event, which drew large attendance from two separate halls, was enriched with active student participation and interactive sessions. UBS officials thanked Asst. Prof. Sezer Ayaz, stating that such events contribute to the professional development of students.
Our department plans to continue holding seminars focused on academic and personal development on similar themes in the future.
"The Role and Importance of Customs Administrations" Event Held
International Trade and Business Department Visited Eska Ambalaj
Asst. Prof. Derya Çelik, external stakeholder, internship coordinator, and vice chair of the English department, and Asst. Prof. Burcu Savaş Çelik, departmental event coordinator, visited Eska Ambalaj as part of their collaboration with the industry.
The visit was welcomed on behalf of the company by Selva Sıla Yılmaz, project sales manager Eda Nöm Özdemir, and sales specialist Burcu Koçyiğit. Company officials gave informative presentations, particularly on recruiting young talent to the industry, preparing them for professional life, and career opportunities.
Our department faculty members stated that such contacts significantly contribute to both the industry's understanding and career planning processes for students, and thanked Eska Packaging officials for their hospitality.
Our department will continue to strengthen collaborations with external stakeholders and work to raise students' sectoral awareness.
The Department of International Trade and Business Held an Orientation Meeting
Date: September 24, 2025
We are Learning Excel!
Students from the departments of International Trade and Business, Economics and Finance, Political Science and Public Administration, Aviation Management and Management Information Systems participated in the training. Students learnt basic Excel knowledge such as creating tables, listing, using formulas and finding errors. In addition, considering the departments of the participants, the information taught was reinforced through the example of how to calculate product cost and after-sales profit in a company that sells products.
At the end of the activity, students requested a new activity as a continuation. Upon this, it was decided by the Department and the instructors to organise another training on creating graphics on Excel during the semester.
Begüm Şayan Yüksektepe, graduate external stakeholder of the Department of International Trade and Business, met with the students of the department at the online meeting held on 7 January. Our 2nd year students attended the meeting from the classroom at the end of their classes. Our graduate external stakeholder first shared her achievements during the education period with our department students. She talked about the contributions of the courses directly oriented towards the sector during her student period, the assignments that require them to prepare presentations by conducting scientific research in the courses, the events where they came together with sector representatives and the internship she did at ESKA Ambalaj, one of the external stakeholders of the department, in terms of career development. Our graduate, who will start his master's degree at our university in the Spring Semester of 2024-2025, stated that he will continue his career in the academic field. He advised our department students to take the fact that there are students from many nationalities within our university as an opportunity, to learn a second foreign language besides English, to do internships and to get certificates outside of school.
Women's Empowerment Initiative (WFI) 3rd Multidisciplinary Approaches Workshop
Academic staff and 3rd and 4th year students attended the meeting organised by External Stakeholder Coordinator Assist. Prof. Burcu Savaş Çelik. While the institution official informed about Dörtler Logistics and Rocca Event, it was emphasised that students from different departments of the faculty can also benefit from internship opportunities.
Dr. Gülay Elif Yıldırım gave a speech on Turkey's economic conjuncture and future expectations after Covid-19. Following the evaluations on financial markets and investment preferences, the event continued with Yücel Ferek's presentation on mutual funds. Ferek made a special informative presentation on the issues that individual investors should pay attention to. Following the presentations, the participants asked various questions about their investments, while faculty members from different departments of our faculty contributed to the panel by sharing their knowledge and evaluations. The full panel, which was very productive and enjoyable, lasted 2.5 hours. With the pleasure of accessing clean and accurate information, the participants thanked and thanked to see you in the next events.