A total of 12,715 students applied for 3,312 places at OMU, with participants selected through a notarized lottery to gain workplace experience while continuing their university education.

A lottery was held at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) to select students who will participate in the İŞKUR Youth Program, an initiative designed to help university students adapt to the labour market, gain workplace experience, and improve their employability.

A total of 12,715 students applied for the program, while 3,312 places were allocated to OMU.

The lottery, held at the OMU Atatürk Congress and Culture Center in the presence of the Samsun 5th Notary Public, attracted strong interest from students. Those selected through the draw will gain work experience in 35 different units across the University.

The event was attended by OMU Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Head of the Department of Health, Culture and Sports Lecturer Selman Aslan, Deputy Secretary General Mustafa Kemal Çayıroğlu, Department of Health, Culture and Sports Branch Manager İhsan Güler, and students.

Vice-Rector Kesten: “We value contributing both to our students’ education and their future”

Speaking ahead of the draw, OMU Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten highlighted the opportunities provided by the İŞKUR Youth Program.

“The İŞKUR Youth Program is an important initiative that enables our university students to become familiar with working life, gain professional experience, and receive financial support while continuing their education,” Dr. Kesten said.

“At Ondokuz Mayıs University, we attach importance not only to our students’ academic development, but also to supporting their social and professional growth.”

Kesten noted that the level of demand demonstrated the importance students attach to the program.

“The fact that 12,715 students applied for the 3,312 places allocated to our University this year clearly shows how valuable this program is to our students,” he said.

“The students who will participate are being selected through a lottery conducted in the presence of a notary public, in accordance with the principles of transparency and equal opportunity.”

Work experience alongside university education

Dr. Kesten said the experience students gain in different units across OMU would help them develop a stronger sense of responsibility and prepare for their future careers.

“I believe the experience our students gain through this program will contribute to their personal development and help prepare them for working life,” he said.

Kesten thanked İŞKUR officials and the relevant University units for their contributions and wished the students selected through the lottery success.

Through the İŞKUR Youth Program, students are expected to gain practical workplace experience in different areas of the University while continuing their studies.

The program also aims to contribute to the development of students’ professional knowledge and skills, career readiness, employability, and financial well-being.