A Delightful Interview with Our Graduate Neslihan Gökdemir Ağar

A Delightful Interview with Our Graduate Neslihan Gökdemir Ağar

Our graduate, Neslihan Gökdemir Ağar, who continues to constantly improve herself throughout her education and career journey, shared her thoughts and feelings about our university.

Could you tell us about the education you received at the university?

I studied a broad-spectrum master's program at Sabancı University. I have a master's degree in Energy Technologies Management from the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences. This academic program had a strong, high-quality impact. It met international criteria and was fully equipped. It allowed me to successfully focus on the sector and its realities, which I've been involved in since 2001. Of course, in my opinion, graduation is just the key. You determine the boundaries of your development journey yourself.

What are the benefits of studying in a liberal environment?

No existence without freedom can find its flow. I believe it's especially vital in education. Of course, you can have as much freedom as you want at university. Your family values and the society you came from are also very important, so all your efforts ultimately find their social response. For example, according to John Stuart Mill, it is unknown whether freedom, as a principle, can be applied in an environment where humanity does not yet know how to discuss... Mill, a political economist who lived in the 1800s, not only conducted studies on deductive logic but also formulated and developed inductive logic. He is a scientist who has earned great fame for his application of logical principles to the social realm, politics, and morality. Look what Mill says: " There is the greatest difference between presuming an opinion to be true, because, with every opportunity for contesting it, it has not been refuted, and assuming its truth for the purpose of not permitting its refutation." Yes, I believe there are important lessons here that society should learn from. As Mill said, freedom must be the pursuit of our own good in our own way. Our university has succeeded in providing us with this valuable ecosystem.

There is great meaning and responsibility here, the freedom of initiative. Entrepreneurship cannot exist without freedom. It also creates the opportunity to closely observe the general progress of the world and find solutions. Yes, education is a never-ending journey, a journey where we will learn, teach, develop, and grow. It cannot exist without freedom. If we want to transform both the economy and energy, we must first deeply understand, explain, and discuss society through our own telescope! Our university, of course, strives to provide this. But in society, you will constantly encounter people with different mental chemistries, and in that case, what you do and what you become is crucial. You must stand firm and be able to honestly account for yourself. Whether near or far, within or without, maintaining balance is crucial. The university offers a vibrant ecosystem of thought, and these freedoms also give it great strength. I believe these are the building blocks behind what our university has achieved in such a short time.

Among Sabancı University graduates, some have launched careers in top-tier companies, while others have started their own ventures. Could you describe the impact of the Sabancı University education system on entrepreneurship?

I'm one of those graduates who prefers to forge their own career paths. Of course, this isn't easy in our country, and those who are stubborn like me face even more challenges. There's no one like me, and I don't mean that in a positive way.

I heard that 5 percent of our university graduates choose to start their own businesses. The success of Sabancı University graduates, both in our country and globally, is remarkable. Our graduates are constantly evolving. I've also heard that almost 32 percent of our graduates work abroad and hold senior positions. However, I believe this situation is concerning for our country. In short, two emotions are being experienced simultaneously. If only we could reverse this brain drain. Sabancı University has been undertaking important projects in recent years to develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem in society. I believe that all these characteristics come from Sabancı Holding's entrepreneurial existence codes.

You have a business idea. What kind of support can you receive while studying at Sabancı University or after graduation?

Sabancı University has SUcool to develop this ecosystem. This platform offers training, business development mentorship, funding support, and strategic consulting to entrepreneurs who create added value, address real needs, and engage in technology, R&D, and innovation, helping them achieve international success. They open new horizons for entrepreneurs.

Can you tell us about your career path?

I have an extraordinary career. While I was an economics graduate, I worked in the energy sector since 2001, developing various projects. That same year, my paths crossed with Sabancı Holding and the late Sakıp Sabancı, who became our first sponsor. I shared my enthusiasm for creating the Turkey Energy Forum, and they supported me. In 2001, I succeeded in bringing together the industry's leaders and high-level decision-makers for the first time, covering a wide spectrum, at the İş Bankası Towers and Sabancı Center. My project even caught the attention of the BBC. In the following years, I managed to secure participation from 38 countries. We inspired the industry. The campaign ran under the motto "Energy, Our Common Future," and we prepared and distributed thousands of books, sharing important ideas with all segments of society. We ensured that opposing ideas were discussed with integrity. Thus, a significant sectoral consensus emerged at the right time. And with a valuable team I established with a 50-year vision. Unfortunately, 20 days before we announced the forum, my beloved father passed away. There was a significant risk of failure, but because of the promise I made to my father, I never gave up on this endeavor. I had put in so much effort, and he saw this and didn't want anything to hold me back. It turns out that human life can only be truly perceived and learned when it's your own business. I worked with my husband throughout this process, and we managed our first company together. It was exciting to be able to bring such a large and pioneering project to our country, and his efforts were invaluable. But we also dynamited each other's careers, for the sake of an ideal. Well, that's life!

With the birth of my beloved child in 2011, I was forced to slow down my busy work schedule. When my mother fell ill, I turned more inward, taking on jobs that required smaller teams. But in the meantime, I constantly read, wrote, and developed myself, finding various motivations, never losing touch with the energy world. Ultimately, I had a good education. I graduated from Çamlıca Girls' High School, Department of Science. I studied Economics at Marmara University and furthered my education abroad at the University of Exeter in England and the University of Moscow. I had a background in journalism, spoke English and Russian, but I wanted to further deepen my professional knowledge.

My paths crossed with Sabancı University, and I was fortunate enough to complete my master's degree there. The law of the universe: the law of attraction. I worked incredibly hard, but I succeeded, and I graduated. My esteemed professors virtually restructured my perspective on the energy sector. I am grateful to them.

Can we learn the story behind your brand?

My company is called the Energy Market Monitoring and Rating Agency (EPİDA). We actually founded it in 2005. Now, with my enhanced education and industry perspective, I'm working day and night to make a difference in my business and return to my old days. I'm reshaping my company. Meanwhile, I write articles and constantly draw inspiration and strength from my first profession, journalism. I find the power of thought, ideas, and the pen important and valuable.

Do you think an SU graduate's boundaries are entirely their own?

Yes, I'm a prime example of this.😊

What are your thoughts on these kinds of gatherings on your campus after graduation?

I believe these gatherings are invaluable. For example, I recently attended Sabancı University's "Alumni Reunion" and "Make a Promise for the Future" events on October 5, 2024. This gathering was extremely positive, productive, and meaningful. Thank you to everyone who contributed. As we approach the 101st anniversary of our Republic, the excitement surrounding this grand gathering at our TUZLA campus was immense. 

The energy of bringing our alumni together was invaluable. I extend my gratitude to our university and SUMED. We had a wonderful day filled with knowledge and communication, spent with students, academics, and alumni visiting our information desks. Various events and concerts were also included. Our "MAKE A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE" event added meaning to our day with its energy and solidarity. May young people's dreams not go unsupported! May the energy of alumni never end!

Is there a detail about the education and/or faculty that has impressed you while you were at Sabancı University, something you'll never forget?

The qualities of Sabancı University that have always impressed me are in the details and our experiences. It's a university that stands with young people. It values sincerity and genuineness, and is committed to its students. It has a strong vision of being a community. Being part of this energy energizes your life.

For example, when I went to the information center, finding the book "Turkey's New Energy Strategies," which I prepared in 2001, was indescribable.

It was very difficult to open up a knowledge-based field in energy. I am one of those who believe that the history of the future will be written by transformative individuals, but we also clearly see that the dominance of uncontrollable social and economic forces prevails in the world. A synthesis is certainly difficult, but not impossible. Why is it difficult to combine these two approaches? Because it's certain that the tangles of history are too complex and multifaceted for any single analyst or approach to unravel. I've always experienced the unconventional in my perspective on life, my decisions, and my experiences. I've strived to be a transformative individual, and even fought for it. I've experienced thought-provoking experiences and challenges. I succeeded in launching Turkey's Energy Forum with a 50-year plan and vision. During a period when markets in Turkey were liberalizing, we inspired the sector, politicians, and society, enabling our beautiful country to be talked about globally. And by connecting our sector organizations with all segments of society, we invited them to new opportunities. Today, those companies have grown tremendously. It's clear that the contributions we made through our interactions in today's energy landscape are indescribable, but there should also be a structure in our beautiful country that appreciates them. And I believe there is always a need for idealistic people in society. Let the right things be done. These people shouldn't be alienated. I've experienced this myself, with this impact. Social issues should have a greater place in our memories, and transformations are precisely what this requires. We need to invest in the collective consciousness of society, these people should be valued more, they should not be alone.

As you know, our University is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. May we have your 25th anniversary message?

I wish it a year filled with innovation, and I wholeheartedly congratulate you. Here's to many more 25 years! I say, "MAKE A PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE" so that more young people can benefit from this quality education.

I also express my gratitude to Güler Sabancı, Chair of the Board of Trustees, who transformed this valuable legacy of the late Sakıp Sabancı into a world-class university in such a short time. Her innovative and energetic personality plays a significant role in our future. From Kayseri to Adana, with Hacı Ömer, from Adana to Istanbul, with Sakıp Sabancı, and from Istanbul to the world, with Güler Sabancı, new worlds were created.

How would you describe the progress Sabancı University has made in 25 years, based on what you've observed and learned?

A great victory! In such a short time, it has overcome many obstacles and become a world-class research university. It has a significant reputation both globally and in our country. More should be said about the university's new projects, technology, sustainable alumni communication, and the Sabancı ecosystem.

Yes, it's Sabancı University's 25th anniversary! This should be experienced with great excitement! Recognizing its pioneers and hard-working leaders who have been groundbreaking since its founding has been a special value for me. I see that countless achievements have been crammed into 25 years. The journey of Sabancı University, from its founding to the present day, has been transformed into a journey of intellectual excellence by brilliant pioneering minds. Intellect, reason, intelligence, science, labor, industry, technology. And that's a lot.

I am proud to have studied at and graduated from a leading international research university. For these reasons, Sabancı University wants to share the excitement of this pride with its graduates in 2025. Our beautiful country will rise with these hopeful stories and the power of its graduates, and the future will be promised.

Sabancı University is now 25 years old, a young university that has already demonstrated its potential. What are your future dreams for your university?

I dream of pursuing a doctorate at the university and implementing pioneering projects for society.

Wishing you an energetic future, I thank you for giving me this opportunity. May we all share in an inspiring future!