08/08/2025
Our Student Efe Çalış's Feelings About the 25th Year
Efe Çalış, a double major in industrial engineering and management sciences, shared his experiences and feelings about Our University, where he has been living for 3 years.
Could you introduce yourself? Which faculty/program are you studying in?
I'm Efe Çalış, currently enrolled in a double major program in industrial engineering and management at Sabancı University, and I'm in my sophomore year.
Are you involved in any clubs or sports teams?
I've been actively involved in the dance club's Latin dance performance team for two years. I've also had the opportunity to participate in several events for the economics and business clubs, and I've also supervised civic involvement projects at the university for nearly two years.
What are 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?
This freedom to choose a program sets Sabancı University apart from other high-quality universities in Turkey because a student who has just graduated from high school has no idea what they'll see in university courses. Many students choose programs they hear about simply because of their names, but if they realize they're not a good fit when they arrive at university, there's no easy way back. This was one of the main reasons I chose Sabancı University. I entered the university thinking I'd study industrial or computer engineering, but I'm currently pursuing a double major in industrial engineering and management, and I'm very happy with both of my programs. If I hadn't studied at this university, I might have had a very different career.
While the interdisciplinary approach to education can be a bit challenging, I believe it allows us to stand out from the crowd when we graduate from Sabancı. Taking classes from different disciplines allows me to approach problems from a multifaceted perspective. This is a truly great opportunity, especially for someone like me who wants to pursue a career in management.
Civic involvement projects definitely reach everyone at a certain level and help us develop a sense of social responsibility that we often overlook in our busy lives. I believe this awareness needs to be developed in everyone to create a better society, and I hope this project expands to other universities in Turkey. Furthermore, the project is led by a truly incredible team, and working with them always makes me feel at home. In an environment of constant competition and rush, this project also increases solidarity within the university.
What are your thoughts on the research opportunities offered at Sabancı University?
When we need to research or gather information on any topic at university, we can do so very easily. First of all, our professors are very supportive. I can quickly reach them when I need guidance, and they provide one-on-one guidance on my projects. Secondly, the Information Center is very advanced in this regard. I have digital access to almost every resource I need. Even if a resource isn't in the Information Center archive, they're always available to help. CoSpace, located within the Information Center, is also one of my favorite places, where we have free access to a wide range of technological equipment, from 3D printers to VR headsets. Being able to use equipment I can't currently afford is especially helpful for my own startup.
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?
Frankly, I don't have a clear career plan after university. Career opportunities are changing rapidly these days, and sectors not yet widespread when I started the university can grow rapidly. Therefore, my primary goal is to complete my university education to the best of my ability and graduate in a well-equipped way. I don't think I'll have to worry about finding a good job when I graduate with the necessary skills, which would allow me to manage my career as I desire.
As someone who constantly strives to find solutions to the problems I encounter, I believe I will contribute to many things in the future that will make life easier for many people in society. I'm confident that I will continue to impact people's lives through civic involvement projects.
How would you describe the progress Sabancı University has made in 25 years, based on what you've observed and learned?
Especially when compared to centuries-old universities, 25 years is actually quite short. Despite this, Sabancı University has been able to surpass other universities in this short time thanks to its consistently innovative and progressive approach. I believe this stems from the university’s vision. Above all, over these 25 years, Sabancı has succeeded in creating an environment where everyone loves their work and is open to development. I believe this environment has enabled it to achieve such rapid growth in 25 years.
Our university is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Could we get your 25th-anniversary message?
I hope that what has been achieved in these 25 years will serve as an example for all of Turkey, and that the number of people educated to benefit society in line with Sabancı University's vision and mission will continue to increase.
What are your dreams and predictions for our university for the next 25 years?
I believe that over the next 25 years, the number of Sabancı graduates will continue to increase in important fields of the business world, along with our new graduates. I hope that innovative approaches like freedom of program choice will become widespread in Turkey, and we will hear much more about Sabancı, not only in Turkey but also globally, especially in the field of management.
