Ahmet Efe Aydoğdu on Being a Sabancı Student…

Ahmet Efe Aydoğdu on Being a Sabancı Student…

Ahmet Efe Aydoğdu, one of our second-year Computer Science and Engineering students, aims to make meaningful contributions to his university every day. On the occasion of our 25th anniversary, we interviewed our student, who takes advantage of the opportunities the University offers to achieve his goals

Could you introduce yourself? Which faculty/program are you studying in?
Hello, I'm Ahmet Efe Aydoğdu. I was accepted to Sabancı University in 2023. I'm a second-year Computer Science and Engineering student in the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Are you involved in any clubs or sports teams? 

I'm a member of the gastronomy and short film clubs. I've had the opportunity to receive various training programs and put these training programs into practice.

What would you say about the things that distinguish Sabancı University from other universities? Its "freedom to choose a program," its "liberal approach," its "interdisciplinary approach," and the "Civic Involvement Projects" course, which is a required course in your first year? What made a difference for you?

The most important factor in choosing Sabancı University was its interdisciplinary approach and the freedom to choose a program. Thanks to this quality, I was able to decide which department I wanted to pursue and had the opportunity to develop myself in a multifaceted way by taking courses in different fields in addition to my current field. I aim to work in different fields in my future career by taking advantage of this versatile education. The "Civic Involvement Projects" course, on the other hand, raised my awareness of many different issues and instilled in me a desire to contribute to society, regardless of my chosen profession. I learned sign language during the "Sign Language" project in my first year, and my CIP adventure is currently ongoing, and I'm thoroughly enjoying supervising the "Human Rights" project.

What are your thoughts on the research opportunities offered at Sabancı University?

I believe that the mandatory Project Making course at this university and the project requirements in various courses encourage students to research. Every student at the university is required to conduct research from scientific sources and produce a scientific product as a result of this research. Of course, there are also programs like PURE, which connect undergraduates with professors and encourage research. Since I'm also looking to advance in academics, I think the university's opportunity to serve as a "Student Assistant" while I'm still a freshman is invaluable. I've been working as an assistant for the Introduction to Coding course for two semesters, which has greatly enhanced my academic experience.
 

Given the unique education and skills you've received from our university, what are your plans for after graduation? What are your dreams for contributing to both the business world and society? 
At Sabancı University, almost no two students have the same transcript. Each student can take courses from other departments based on their interests and career plans. I want to take advantage of this opportunity to develop my skills, especially in artificial intelligence and data analysis. I also want to take courses in the economics department and apply this knowledge to future work in economics and finance. In addition to career planning, I also aim to contribute to society by participating in at least one nonprofit organization, leveraging the awareness I gained from the CIP course.

How would you describe the progress Sabancı University has made in 25 years, based on what you've observed and learned?
Sabancı University is the first and only university in Turkey to successfully implement the difficult-to-maintain "freedom of program choice." For the past 25 years, it has consistently maintained this principle and successfully graduated every student. In addition to maintaining this success, it has also expanded its resources each year, serving as a center for research and innovation alongside education. By adapting to the new and digital age without delay, Sabancı has become one of the leading universities not only in Turkey but also worldwide.

Our university is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Could we get your 25th-anniversary message?
Since its founding, Sabancı University has assumed a leading role in science, education, and social benefit. For 25 years, it has maintained this vision, inspiring its students, faculty, and alumni. I believe it will continue to progress with the same determination and resolve in the future. Here's to many more 25 years!

What are your dreams and predictions for our university for the next 25 years?
I envision Sabancı University becoming a global center of research and innovation over the next 25 years, undertaking groundbreaking work in fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and biotechnology. I also believe that by adapting to the increasingly digital world, it will develop more flexible, accessible, and personalized models in education. I believe that the university, with its alumni and faculty, will continue to create an ecosystem that develops solutions to global problems.