Rabia Dağdeviren
I graduated from the Tourism and Hotel Management Department at Antalya Bilim University’s Faculty of Tourism in 2019. The cultural and theoretical courses, practical lessons, shadowing management programs, internships, and industry collaborations provided by our department greatly contributed to my development. Thanks to our professors, who continue to support and encourage us, stepping into professional life became easier. I sincerely thank our professors for continuing to support us even after graduation.
İrem Özgün
I graduated from the Tourism Management Department in 2024, and the experiences I gained during this process have prepared me well for the sector. In addition to receiving my education in English, I also took German classes, graduating with the advantage of being bilingual. This was a significant step toward effective international communication. During my education, I established connections and completed internships at two different places, thanks to our faculty's initiative to invite hotel managers and various executives to our school. These internships greatly facilitated my job interviews and provided me with substantial industry experience. Additionally, interacting with international students enriched my cultural knowledge, and participating in the Erasmus+ program allowed me to visit different countries. After graduation, the numerous opportunities provided by our university became a significant advantage in my career journey. Our professors also organized trips and invited guests, offering us not only academic but also practical training. This gave me a chance to gain hands-on experience alongside theoretical knowledge, enabling me to understand the industry more deeply.
Mehmet Saygun Erçetin
I graduated from the Tourism and Hotel Management Undergraduate Program at Antalya Bilim University’s Faculty of Tourism in 2018. The education I received at ABU made it easy for me to adapt to the industry and improve myself in terms of language, theoretical, and practical knowledge. Thanks to the two-year internship program, I had the opportunity to observe which department or position suited me best before graduation. After working in the industry for some time, in August 2022, I established my own travel agency with two fellow ABU alumni. For me, ABU not only prepared me for the industry but also introduced me to my two business partners.
Gülçin Sungu
Thanks to the career days organized by Antalya Bilim University, I participated in many interviews. Through the internships I completed, I realized which department suited me best. The education and experiences I gained helped me secure my first international job right after graduation. I started applying the techniques and subjects we studied with our lecturers to my professional life. ABU prepared us well for our career journeys. I sincerely thank my lecturers, who were always willing to share their knowledge and experiences with me.
Melih Sadık Çal
I am Melih Çal, a 2019 graduate of the Tourism and Hotel Management Department. Currently, I am working as a Night Auditor at the Courtyard Marriott Austin Airport Hotel in Austin, Texas. The education and experiences I gained during my time at Antalya Bilim University have been invaluable to my career. The support of my professors and the wonderful memories I shared with my friends played a significant role in getting to where I am today. The discipline I learned at university, my customer relations skills, and my understanding of the tourism industry's dynamics have guided me in overcoming the challenges of professional life. Working in the United States and being immersed in different cultures have broadened my horizons and provided me with new perspectives. As a Night Auditor, I am responsible for various tasks, from financial operations to ensuring guest satisfaction, making this a rewarding experience. I would like to thank my alma mater and all my esteemed professors once again. Without their support and guidance, I would not have been able to reach this point. I wish success to all current students and hope that our university achieves even greater accomplishments in the future.
Göktuğ Taş
Graduating from this faculty, which boasts one of Turkey’s best academic teams, has been one of the most significant steps in my professional life. Beyond the theoretical knowledge I gained, the invaluable insights and practical tips I learned from my professors and the tourism professionals I met always gave me an edge when seizing opportunities and showcasing my identity.
Seray Öztürk
I graduated from the Tourism and Hotel Management Undergraduate Program at Antalya Bilim University’s Faculty of Tourism in 2017. That same year, I was accepted into Akdeniz University’s International Tourism Management Master’s Program with a thesis focus, and I am currently at the thesis stage. Through the Erasmus+ internship program, I had the opportunity to intern in Spain in 2015. This experience not only helped me improve my Spanish, which I had chosen as my second language during my undergraduate studies, but also allowed me to observe the industry in a country like Spain and add international internship experience to my resume. I am currently working as a CRM & Loyalty Supervisor at Barut Hotels Group.
Aslıhan Arslan
ABU was definitely a gateway to the world. While going abroad seemed like a dream, I gained my first work experience in Dubai at a globally renowned hotel chain, which was an incredible opportunity. My next internship was in Croatia through the Erasmus+ program. Professionally, we received education that shaped us into entrepreneurial, solution-oriented future managers. Over five years, we were trained at an international level and launched into the sector, realizing the value of this education more and more with each passing day. Thank you for everything.
Talat Çam
The domestic and international opportunities provided by ABU’s Faculty of Tourism, especially the Erasmus+ program, along with its collaborations and internship opportunities with the Rixos Group and its high level of English instruction, opened doors for me in the luxury hotel segment and prepared me practically for the industry. I am currently working in the hotel brand and department I always aspired to join. My internships, particularly in the F&B sector, at some of Marriott’s most luxurious brands, including St. Regis Dubai and St. Regis Florence (Michelin Star), equipped me with substantial experience and knowledge for my current role. Additionally, the theoretical foundation and industry-specific skills provided by the school made my job significantly easier. Ultimately, your success depends on how much you want it and how far you’re willing to go.
Luana Nanu
Completing my university education in an international environment helped me enhance my cultural adaptability. This experience significantly contributed to my ability to work comfortably with individuals from different countries and cultures. The undergraduate program I completed at ABU was instrumental in my acceptance into the "Tourism and Hospitality Leadership" postgraduate program that I am currently enrolled in.
Tom Buzadji
I graduated from the Tourism Management Department. Thanks to ABU, I met numerous people, and my social network grew 300 times compared to before I started my education. I became more comfortable communicating with people from different cultures. Additionally, during my university years, I gained valuable knowledge about the tourism industry and hotel management. Beyond theoretical knowledge, the internships facilitated by the faculty helped me discover my own abilities. I am genuinely happy that I chose ABU’s Faculty of Tourism. I wish all my professors and incoming students the best of luck.
Yeldana Balakan
During my time at Antalya Bilim University, we were required to complete mandatory internships. These internships helped me understand what I enjoyed doing and what I was better at. Additionally, completing my internships enriched my resume and helped me secure a job more quickly. The university frequently organized various activities, and participating in them provided excellent opportunities for self-improvement and making more friends.
Gökhan Kaya
Graduating from ABU has significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth, especially before entering the job market. Thanks to the university's international student profile, I had the chance to meet people from many different cultures, which positively impacted my relationships with individuals from various countries and backgrounds. Receiving education in a foreign language offered advantages in many professions, but it was particularly beneficial in the tourism sector. Additionally, the theoretical and practical knowledge provided by the expert academic staff, as well as the tourism professionals who frequently visited our school to share their industry experiences, have inspired me to envision a future even beyond my current position.
Elif Çetin
As a 2018 graduate of Antalya Bilim University, I can confidently say that the education I received shaped my career in the best possible direction. The courses we took and the internships we completed during our education prepared us to step into the industry one step ahead. Through the Shadow Manager program I participated in during my final year, I decided on the field I wanted to work in and focused on improving myself in that area. In 2018, I worked as a Shadow Manager Intern at Rixos Downtown Antalya, where I am now employed as a Human Resources Supervisor. I am deeply grateful to the Faculty of Tourism at Bilim University for providing me with industry experience even before graduation, and to my professors, whose support I continue to feel even after graduation.
İrem Karadeniz
As a graduate of the Tourism Management Department, I can now better observe how choosing ABU for tourism was one of the best decisions I made. Thanks to its hands-on training and industry partnerships, I had the opportunity to connect with tourism professionals, attend seminars, and develop myself. The foreign language education I received in the preparatory class allowed me to easily secure an internship in the United States. Even after graduation, I realized that ABU’s esteemed academics continued to think about us, maintaining communication to help us seize new opportunities. I would like to extend my gratitude to each of my professors. Thank you, ABU, for everything you’ve given me!
Hazal Kanıcı
Graduating from ABU’s Faculty of Tourism provided me with numerous advantages, not only in terms of theoretical knowledge but also through internship opportunities. Thanks to the opportunities it offered, I completed my internships abroad under the world-renowned Rixos Group. As a result, I experienced no adaptation issues when I entered the industry. The faculty’s high-level foreign language training, tailored to the tourism sector, is a significant advantage for those taking their first steps in the field. Additionally, the university's professional relationships with industry leaders helped me expand my social network and boosted my confidence in expressing myself in professional settings.
Sena Altunsoy
ABU offered us countless opportunities to enhance ourselves and ensure our success in the industry. Beyond foreign language education, the overseas internship opportunities helped many students, including myself, achieve their dreams. I am incredibly happy to have made the most of these opportunities and to have reaped the benefits. I would like to thank all my professors once again for their efforts and support, and I feel so lucky to be a part of this family.
Tuğba Korkmaz
I graduated from Antalya Bilim University’s Faculty of Tourism in June 2018 and started working as an Online Reservation Specialist in the Accommodation Department at IATI in July. My ability to secure such a position in a short time was undeniably influenced by being an ABU graduate, receiving education in English, and completing internships in the reservations and sales departments at Rixos Hotels. In a city like Antalya, the capital of tourism, where the demand for skilled and qualified employees is continuously rising, ABU’s Faculty of Tourism offers a great advantage for friends who plan to pursue either academic or active careers in the industry.
Sevde Kapu
Hello, I am Sevde Kapu. During my summers, I interned at Rixos Premium Belek and Wom Deluxe in their sales and marketing departments. After graduation, I started working in the sales and marketing department at the hotel where I interned. Later, I developed myself in digital marketing and web design and pursued a career in these fields. After working at an advertising agency in Ankara for some time, I established my own company with my cousins, where I continue to work today.
Damla Sönmez
Damla Sönmez, our 2019 spring semester shadow manager and a double major student in Business Administration and a minor in Tourism, successfully completed her master's degree in Tourism Management with a thesis and a scholarship at the University of South Florida while working as a research assistant. Damla has now been accepted into the PhD program in Tourism Management at the University of South Carolina with a scholarship. We congratulate our graduate and wish her continued success.
Fatih Çakmak
One of the first graduates of Antalya Bilim University’s Gastronomy and Culinary Arts program, Fatih Çakmak, began his career as Pastry Chef and Shift Supervisor at Rixos Premium Belek. A 2021 graduate, Fatih completed his first internship in the kitchen department at Akra Barut Hotel and his second summer internship at Doubletree by Hilton City Center Antalya. Our graduate was invited to participate in the Freelancer Chef Training by Rational Oven. We celebrate his achievements and look forward to more success stories from him.
Ebru Özsoy
Four years have passed since I graduated from Antalya Bilim University’s Tourism Management program. It’s fascinating to miss the times when we rushed in and out of classes, not realizing how valuable those moments were. After graduation, I started working as a spa receptionist at JW Marriott Ankara, a great example of urban hospitality. Marriott’s philosophy, *“If employees are happy, our guests will be too,”* fosters a people-focused working environment, exemplified by gifts for birthdays and work anniversaries. My managers recognized my strong professional English skills, which I attribute to the excellent education at ABU. I am sincerely grateful to ABU for this foundation.
Albert Gabitov
Albert Gabitov, one of ABU’s first Tourism Management graduates, was appointed Sales and Marketing Manager for Fun & Sun Hotels Group. Albert gained his first summer internship experience in the Food and Beverage department at Rixos Downtown and his second internship at Rixos Palm Dubai in the UAE. During the 2017 spring semester, he participated in the Shadow Manager program at Rixos Downtown in the F&B department. After graduation, he worked as Assistant Sales Manager at Titanic Mardan Palace for two years before taking on his current role. We celebrate his accomplishments and anticipate his continued success.
Hasan Görkem Kurtoğlu
A 2018 entrepreneurial graduate, Hasan Görkem Kurtoğlu began managing his own hotel, Kalkan Park Hotel, during his final semester at ABU’s Tourism Management program. Hasan gained experience through summer internships at Vogue Hotel Kemer in the reception department, Hilton Hotel Rapid City in the U.S. in housekeeping and reception, and as Assistant Front Office Manager at Kervansaray Bodrum. He now manages Kalkan Park Hotel in Kaş. We look forward to staying at his hotel and celebrating his achievements.
Övünç Özen
A 2020 graduate of Antalya Bilim University’s Tourism Management program, Övünç Özen started his career at Gloria Verde Resort and progressed to the role of night auditor at Gloria Hotels. His second-year summer internship was in the F&B department at Titanic Hotels Lara, and his third-year summer internship was at Hilton Clearwater, Florida. In the spring of 2020, he participated in the Shadow Manager program at Rixos Downtown in the front office department. We congratulate our graduate and wish him continued success.
Enes Şahin
Enes Şahin, a 2020 ABU Tourism Management graduate, transitioned from the Product and Yield department to the Ticketing department at TUI Russia & CIS. He gained hands-on experience through internships at Deluxe Sueno Hotel (reception, 2017), AKKA Antedon Hotel (accounting, 2018), Anex Tour (tour operations, 2019), and as a Global Operations Shadow Manager at Anex Tour in spring 2020. We celebrate his achievements and believe his success will continue to grow.
Tolgahan Targıt
Tolgahan Targıt, a 2020 graduate of ABU with a major in Tourism Management and a minor in International Relations, is currently working in the Guest Experiences Department at Akra Hotel. Over the years, Tolgahan gained diverse professional experiences, including roles such as Mini and Teen Club Animator, Mini Club Supervisor, and Entertainment Team Leader. He also worked in Guest Relations and Social Media Representation at Robinson Çamyuva, where he participated in the Shadow Manager program, gaining insights into front office, guest relations, social media management, and general management. We congratulate Tolgahan and wish him continued success.
Şeyma Süleymanoğlu
I graduated in 2021 with a double major in Tourism Management and Business Administration. My first summer internship was in the HR department at Rixos Downtown Antalya, and my second was at Paloma Hotels Central Office in the HR department. During the spring of 2021, I participated in the Shadow Manager program at Barut Hospitality Management’s HR Directorate. In 2018, I gained international academic and living experience as an Erasmus student at HWTK - University of Applied Sciences in Berlin. I also worked as a student assistant at ABU Tourism Faculty during the 2019–2020 academic year. After graduation, I started working as an Accounting Officer at Melino Travel & Event. Since October 2022, I have been employed as a Specialist at Turkish Airlines’ Accounting and Financial Control Directorate.
Sebahat Yaraçcı
Sebahat, who is set to graduate from the Tourism Management major and International Relations double major programs in January 2022, completed her first internship in the Guest Relations Department at Güral Premier Belek Hotel and her second internship in the Front Office Department at TUI Sensatori Resort Barut Sorgun Hotel. During the 2019/2020 academic year, she worked as a student assistant at the Faculty of Tourism in both the fall and spring semesters. In the spring of 2021, she gained experience as a Shadow Manager in the Reservation Department of TUI Russia Tour Operator and Incoming Agency. Building on the experience provided by her mandatory internships, she is now working as an intern in the Promotion Branch of the Antalya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism under the Internship Mobilization Program of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey. We congratulate our prospective graduate and wish her continued success.
Şerife Özyürek
I am Şerife Özyürek, a 2018 graduate of the Tourism Management program. Thanks to the education provided by Antalya Bilim University, which creates a universal value, I had the opportunity to intern and work in chain hotels both in Dubai and Turkey, enhancing my skills in many areas. Currently, I work as a Public Relations Specialist at the Green Crescent Counseling Center while also pursuing my academic development by studying for a master’s degree in Business Administration at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University. I am working on a thesis about the impact of social media on cryptocurrencies.
Binnur Osmancıoğlu
Having been awarded a 100% scholarship in 2013, I enrolled in the Tourism and Hotel Management Department at ABU, which has greatly contributed to all aspects of my professional life. During my studies, I had the chance to intern at Aska Hotels and Prince Group through connections provided by my professors. In 2017, I participated in the Work and Travel program, interning at Kohler Company. Since May 2018, I have been working as a Contract Specialist at Meeting Point Turkey, one of the largest incoming agencies in Turkey.
İbrahim Polat
I successfully graduated from the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts program at Antalya Bilim University in 2022. During my university education, I actively worked in small kitchens in Kaleiçi to enhance my professional skills, gaining substantial hands-on experience. Throughout my academic journey, I completed two summer internships at Rixos Premium Belek. My first internship was in the hotel's main kitchen, providing me with comprehensive knowledge of large-scale kitchen operations. In my second internship, I worked at Akşam Restaurant within Rixos Premium Belek, allowing me to specialize in fine dining. After graduation, I started my professional career as a Chef de Partie at Food in Box. This role played a significant part in solidifying my competence in gastronomy. Following this, I took advantage of the international opportunities offered by my program and moved to the United States, where I worked as a Line Cook at Claremont Club and Spa Fairmont Hotel. Over the course of a year, I gained in-depth knowledge of international culinary cultures and honed my kitchen management skills. After this experience, I decided to establish my own business in Nevada and opened three restaurants: Mediterranean Bae, Pasta La Vista, and Chick a Boom. Currently, I manage and operate these restaurants, reflecting my culinary philosophy and innovative approach to the gastronomy world.
Seval Çelik
I graduated from the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts program at Antalya Bilim University between 2017 and 2023. I completed two years of quality internships at Sealife Family Resort, a five-star hotel. Afterward, I worked as a Commis Chef at the same hotel for one year and was later promoted to Assistant Section Chef in the à la carte kitchen. Thanks to the experiences I gained from both the university and the hotel, I had an excellent opportunity for a strong start and progress in my career. I am currently working in the à la carte kitchen field.
Abdul Haseeb Mirza
After graduating from Antalya Bilim University, I started working at 7/24 People's Restaurant in Rixos Premium Belek, where I have been employed for two years. Initially, I held the position of Demi Chef and was later promoted to Sous Chef. Currently, I am the Executive Chef at Ethno Hotels. While working at the 7/24 kitchen, I specialized in international cuisine, gaining significant expertise in this area. I am now focused on Middle Eastern cuisine, taking responsibility for the quality and production of all stations.
