Our graduate Uğur Tanrıverdi has become one of the World's Ten Most Outstanding Young People as he came first in the world in the Medical Innovations category of TOYP 2023, organized by JCI, one of the world's largest civil society organizations active in innovation, education, and science in over 100 countries since 1915.
We conducted an interview with him regarding his journey at Yeditepe University and his career. He sincerely answered our questions.
Could you talk about your experience at Yeditepe University?
I actually set my sights on Yeditepe back in 2005, when I was in the first year of high school. At that time, I was attending Üsküdar Fen Lisesi (Üsküdar Science High School), and I had decided to become a Biomedical Engineer. There were only two universities offering this undergraduate program back then. I visited Yeditepe with my mother and brother. The campus, the curriculum, the facilities, and the sincerity of the professors I talked to resonated with me, and that's when I made my decision. After finishing high school and starting
university, I never regretted it. In fact, my experience exceeded my expectations. Sitting in the ‘Red’ cafe, relaxing in the pine grove, attending conferences, and learning new things in classes are the first memories that come to mind. Yeditepe has a significant place for me,
both in the friendships I have formed and in my career development.
What were the differences and advantages that being a Yeditepe graduate brought to your career?
Yeditepe provided me with an international education. At that time, I wasn't aware of things like course codes, midterm/final systems, or student procedures. When I went to London for my first master's degree, I didn't face any difficulties. It felt like an extension of my time at Yeditepe. When I moved to London, the English that I had improved at Yeditepe came to my aid. Yeditepe offered all the facilities of a higher education institution. Whether I took advantage of them or not was up to me.
What do you consider as a pivotal moment in your career?
I've never been a 'nerd'. Yet, I achieved a first place in the world! Actually, I hardly passed my math and physics exams in the first year of high school. That was a turning point for me. It was the time when, thanks to the teachers who didn't just educate students but nurtured 'individuals' in the science high school, and thanks to Burcu Kunter who supported me in my classes, I began to discover my curious nature. Some of my professors at Yeditepe have also played a significant role in this, especially Esin Öztürk Işık and Gökçen Çiftçioğlu. At this age, I realize that my way of learning and working is quite different from many of my peers.
What advice do you have for our students/new graduates on their career journeys?
Actively sit down and contemplate. Not on the bus, in between two messages, or in an elevator. Take your tea or coffee, grab your paper and pen. Sit in your favorite spot, go to a place you love. Start writing as if you didn’t care about anything else. Write down a question you ask yourself. Without thinking about right or wrong, with a free mind. After a while, you'll realize how many valuable ideas you have in your mind, and you'll get to know yourself. When choosing a career, start from the things you love in everyday life. If you don’t like talking to people, reconsider becoming a customer representative or sales manager. If you don't enjoy exploration or trial and error, don't consider careers that involve experimentation. If you don’t like working on computers for long periods, don’t opt for office-focused professions. Not considering these isn’t about being picky or spoiled. Your profession is something you'll do every day in your life, and it should reflect who you are. But first, you must find what you truly love.
What message would you like to share with our bulletin readers on the 100th anniversary of our
Republic?
Atatürk says, 'The one who loves their country the most is the one who performs their duty best'. Wherever you are, whatever position you hold, fulfill your work and responsibilities competently and with respect. Being proficient in our work is one of the greatest contributions we can make to this country and republic.