Our Successful Entrepreneur Graduate, Ayşe Taşpınar

Our Successful Entrepreneur Graduate, Ayşe Taşpınar

Our interview with Ayşe Taşpınar, a successful entrepreneur and our 2012 Master's Graduate, about her feelings about our University, her career path, and her brand.

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

I studied in the Conflict Analysis and Resolution (Thesis) Master's Program between 2010 and 2012.

What did the freedom to choose a program at Sabancı University offer you in your career?

Once you enter the workforce, you often don't have the opportunity to put your talents to work in different disciplines or sectors, and if you do, the risk is quite high. Being able to take courses from different fields and have one-on-one contact with expert academics in your field is invaluable in this regard. This was the case for me as well. As a graduate of Political Science and International Relations, I was able to satisfy my interest in anthropology and cultural studies thanks to Sabancı University. The courses I took here and the fieldwork I conducted for my master's thesis allowed me to incorporate diverse methodologies into my work in subsequent roles and the services I currently offer. Thanks to the multifaceted perspective I gained at Sabancı University, I've had the opportunity to build a unique career path as a professional specializing in both international relations and cultural studies. Both in my corporate career and at my own company, which I've been running for over five years, I work with people from diverse cultures and countries, contributing to projects that foster a more sustainable world.
 

What are the benefits of studying in a liberal environment?

The student years are the first steps in a lifelong learning journey. In this journey, a liberal learning environment offers students a unique opportunity to discover and develop their full potential. In a liberal learning environment, students become not only recipients of information but also producers of it. The ability to make our own decisions in the face of life's complexities is critical to our individual development. During our student years, we develop these skills by learning to view things from different perspectives, think critically, and generate creative solutions. This way, we are better prepared for the challenges we will face in the future and become the architects of our own lives.

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

I believe entrepreneurship has a meaning beyond what is commonly understood. Entrepreneurship isn't just about creating your own business or product; it's also about generating innovative solutions within existing systems and transforming institutions. You might work in a corporate company and play a critical role where an innovative perspective is needed. On the other hand, if you have a family business, an entrepreneurial spirit is essential to develop modern-day activities without losing this accumulated knowledge. Essential qualities for entrepreneurship are a sense of responsibility and self-confidence. For these two feelings to develop, individuals need to have a story of success, even if it's a small one. At Sabancı University, there are many activities and projects that allow students to experience a sense of responsibility. You assume responsibilities, even small ones, and you can test your abilities. You can see which responsibilities you're suited to. From my perspective, I had the opportunity to experience the management of projects that bring together multiple stakeholders, preparing training content and delivering training, and negotiation and meeting management in projects we developed with our professors at Sabancı University, the skills which I currently actively use.

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

Sabancı University's Project Development Unit offers a unique opportunity for every student, whether in natural or social sciences, to develop their project ideas. This allows you to learn about the support available from public and international institutions in our country. I completed my first project writing experience with the expert team here. Furthermore, thanks to Sabancı University's open-door policy, you can reach all academics, share your project ideas, and benefit from their valuable contributions.

Having Sabancı University students as interns at our companies is a great benefit for both them and us. This gives us the opportunity to meet young talents and benefit from their innovative ideas. They also bring a new perspective and energy to our company. For me, this is more than just an internship program; it's a crucial step towards intergenerational knowledge transfer and sustainable growth. For an institution to be successful, it must constantly innovate and evolve. This is only possible by bringing together the experience and knowledge of different generations. Our collaboration with Sabancı University supports this cycle, enriching the company culture and contributing to the development of future leaders.

Can you tell us about your career journey?

Since my undergraduate years, I've been actively involved in European Union projects and also completed internships in public institutions. I've also held active roles in civil society organizations, sometimes as a volunteer and sometimes as a part-time employee. During this time, I participated in training programs and projects for young people in many countries. I represented our country on field visits to important centers, including institutions like the Council of Europe. Having had the opportunity to put into practice what I learned in textbooks during my undergraduate and graduate studies, I'm one of those fortunate enough to have started my career. Later, I became a full-time employee, first at a civil society organization and then at the Goethe-Institut, working on European Union projects. With the experience I gained in project management, monitoring and evaluation methods, and financial management, I wanted to take my work to a larger scale. Since 2019, I've been providing consultancy services to central and local public institutions in our country, international and supranational institutions, and even the private sector.

Can we learn the story behind your brand?

The "Hermes Academy" brand was inspired by Hermes, the mythological god of communication. Since childhood, I've been fascinated by mythology and philosophy, and the way Hermes shares knowledge and bridges different human states has always fascinated me. The main reason I chose to name my brand after this mythological figure is that I prioritize the same values in my consulting services. Hermes is a great companion, providing essential information and building bridges between individuals with different personalities, identities, and life commitments through diplomacy and negotiation. Through our services, we guide public institutions, the private sector, and entrepreneurs through these values in their business processes.

I've seen the vital role of accurate information and timely communication in executing large-scale projects. I've also seen that I overcome even the most challenging situations only by focusing on these values. At Hermes Academy, we don't just provide consulting services; we also offer our clients the opportunity for continuous learning and development. In this way, we strive to maximize the potential of organizations and individuals, contributing to their success. Our vision is to become one of the most respected global consulting firms as a Turkish brand, and to set new standards in the industry.

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

Everything in nature has a limit. Like water boiling at 100 degrees and transforming into a different substance. Sabancı University offers wonderful opportunities to measure your true limits and explore new ones.

What do you think of these kinds of gatherings on your campus after graduation?

I hope they happen more often.

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

Happy 25th birthday!

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

I see Sabancı University constantly renewing its organizational structure, course and program content. This is a truly important aspect for a university. It's truly inspiring for a university to continue learning and, through this learning, to instill innovation in its students.

Now, Sabancı University is a young, 25-year-old university that has already demonstrated its potential. What are your future aspirations for your university?

I wholeheartedly desire to contribute to the sharing of knowledge between generations by continuing to engage with students who possess innovative perspectives and the dynamic skills required by the times.