Business “lighthouses” guide OMU students at IDEA’26 Career Summit

The IDEA’26 Career Summit, organized for the ninth time by the Industrial Engineering Excellence Society (EMMT) at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), was held under the theme “Lighthouse,” bringing together prominent figures from the business world.

The summit, held at the Atatürk Congress and Culture Center (AKM) Blue Hall, was attended by Head of the OMU Department of Industrial Engineering Birol Elevli, EMMT Academic Advisor Sermin Elevli, as well as academics and students.

The summit began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by opening speeches delivered by IDEA’26 co-coordinators Eylül Kayalı and Yağız Demir, and then Community President Yunus Emre Yıldırım.

Prof. Dr. Birol Elevli: “IDEA’26 is the result of nine months of dedicated effort”

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Birol Elevli emphasized that such organizations are critical not only for students’ academic development but also for preparing them for life. He stated that the summit, which is the result of nine months of dedicated effort, serves as a valuable platform that simulates real-life crises and solution pathways.

Prof. Dr. Sermin Elevli: “We designed our summit with the ‘lighthouse’ metaphor”

EMMT Academic Advisor Prof. Dr. Sermin Elevli stated, “Last year’s theme, ‘Navigate Your Future,’ invited you to chart your own course. This year, we present a much more meaningful and profound metaphor. A lighthouse guides us especially in darkness, uncertainty, and moments when we lose our direction, helping us find our course again. University life and what follows are often full of uncertainties; at such moments, we all need a light. Our distinguished speakers here today have found that light in their own journeys, and many have even become lighthouses for others. Their experiences, successes, and even their mistakes will serve as a guide for you.”

Fazlıhan Carus delivers presentation on “Entrepreneurship Journey”

Three sessions were held within the scope of the summit. In the first session, Fazlıhan Carus, Founder of CRS Spor, delivered a presentation titled “Entrepreneurship Journey.” Carus shared how his career, which began in Samsun, transformed into an international success story in the sports textile sector. After 14 years as a physical education teacher, he decided to pursue entrepreneurship, starting production in a small workshop in 2010 and quickly expanding with the Mets Spor and later CRS Spor brands. The presentation highlighted collaborations with numerous sports clubs and federations in Türkiye and internationally, production for major events such as the UEFA Champions League final, and exports to more than 25 countries. It was also emphasized that Carus continues to grow through distributor agreements, e-sports production, and new factory investments, underlining the importance of risk-taking, determination, and vision in entrepreneurship.

In the continuation of the summit, Conforcus Co-Founder Atilla Kuruüzüm answered students’ questions about the sector and shared insights on entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.

Beşir Kemal Ustaoğlu shares a success story from Antakya to the United States

In the second session, SKF Global Holding Vice Chairman Beşir Kemal Ustaoğlu delivered a presentation titled “A 40-year journey: From Antakya to the United States,” focusing on the relationship between success, failure, and happiness. He emphasized that a career journey is not a linear process and that failure is an inevitable and instructive experience. Ustaoğlu stated that the lessons individuals draw from such experiences shape long-term success. He noted that success should not be evaluated solely based on outcomes but also on growth, determination, and willingness to learn throughout the process. He added that happiness is achieved not through external gains but by building a life aligned with one’s own values. He advised students not to hesitate to take risks in their careers, to learn from mistakes, and to remain open to continuous development.

In the final session of the summit, Burak Ayış, Branch Manager of Garanti BBVA, and Özgür Ahmet Köse, Brand and Narrative Designer, shared their knowledge and experiences.

Özgür Ahmet Köse addresses the concept of digital mythology

Taking the floor first, Özgür Ahmet Köse focused on storytelling and meaning-making in the digital age in his presentation titled “Digital Mythology.” He emphasized that brands and individuals produce not only identities but also narratives and myths. The presentation explored how the use of metaphors, content production, and algorithms transform the perception of reality in digital culture. Köse stated that new forms of narrative shaped by social media language and user practices create an original digital discourse enriched by ironic and everyday expressions. It was also specifically noted that all examples used in the presentation were metaphorical constructs designed for educational purposes and were not associated with real individuals or institutions.

Manager Halis Burak Ayış: “Digitalization and artificial intelligence have transformed the banking sector”

Garanti BBVA Samsun Branch Manager Halis Burak Ayış spoke about the bank’s long-standing history, strong financial structure, and extensive service network as part of the globally operating BBVA group. He emphasized that Garanti BBVA stands out not only with its banking services but also with its social investments in education, culture and arts, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Ayış noted that for young people, a career is no longer just a profession but also an experience offering meaning and development opportunities. He stated that employees are supported through diverse career opportunities, international programs, and a “school company” approach centered on continuous learning. He added that digitalization and artificial intelligence have transformed the banking sector, enabling faster, more personalized, and data-driven services. He concluded by emphasizing that the key to success in a changing world is being open to learning, continuously improving oneself, and adapting to technology.

One of the most notable moments of the summit was the interactive activity conducted under the coordination of Community President Yunus Emre Yıldırım. Participants responded via QR code with a single word describing what the concept of “lighthouse” meant to them. As a result of the voting, the most prominent words displayed on the screen were “Hope” and “Guidance.”

Throughout the summit, students had the opportunity to gain insights into current topics such as career planning, entrepreneurship, data, and artificial intelligence.

The IDEA’26 Career Summit concluded with closing speeches and the presentation of plaques of appreciation.