After selection of the university where international students will complete their degrees, they start moving to the next step, which is what will they do after their degree completion? And how they will grasp career opportunities while living as an international student?
The Turkish economy is diverse, with manufacturing, technology, finance, healthcare, tourism, logistics, construction being among the sectors that exist in Turkey. This opens up other options for international graduates, but again employment will depend on the qualifications, language skills, experience, immigration policy and job market.
Students who are thinking ahead about their future education can talk to StudyLead Consultants about their university and career options prior to choosing a program.
Understanding the Turkish Job Market
There are many sectors in Turkey’s economy. Istanbul and Ankara are also key cities for business and professional services, and Bursa and Izmir are related to manufacturing, trade, tourism and many other sectors.
It will be important to consider an international graduate’s field of study when considering the opportunities available to them.
For instance, a computer science graduate could pursue a career in technology, and a tourism graduate could work in the hospitality and travel sector.
Technology and IT
With its international outlook, technology is a field that is expanding, and its graduates who are skilled in software development, data, cyber security, AI and other related fields could have a career interest in Turkey.
Practical skills may be particularly relevant for international students. Skills beyond a university degree can be highlighted through a strong portfolio, internship work, certifications and project work.
For those interested in technology, you may want to pursue your education at a university or a program that offers practical experience in technology.
Engineering and Manufacturing
Turkey already has a well-established manufacturing sector, providing opportunities for the students in professional fields of engineering.
Mechanical/Electrical/Civil/Industrial Engineering and other Engineering graduates can explore work opportunities depending on the skill sets of the independent employers.
Internships can be useful as they give students a taste of what it’s like to work in a professional setting before they graduate.
Tourism and Hospitality
Tourism is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions and in tourism various jobs are created in various parts of tourism such as hotel service, restaurants, tourist offices, etc., and even in the airlines companies.
Having multiple languages may help you in customer facing roles, particularly, if you’re an international student.
While there are opportunities available in other cities, Antalya and Istanbul have particularly robust tourism ecosystems.
Business and Finance
Career prospects for business graduates include marketing, sales, finance, human resources, international trade and management.
Istanbul is a key commercial hub and a city which is a popular choice for many graduates seeking corporate jobs.
But, an educational qualification may not be essential, there can be high competition and employers can require other skills, like experience, foreign language skills, and technical expertise.
Healthcare Careers
Healthcare, as well as other areas of importance, must be understood, but on a crucial case, international students must be aware of the additional requirements for regulated professions.
People with health-related qualifications (such as medicine, nursing, or pharmacy) may need to have qualifications recognised and accepted as equivalent, tests, language proficiency, and/or qualifications to enable them to practice.
However, healthcare students should also look into these requirements before selecting the healthcare program they wish to study in Turkey after graduation.
Does Turkish Language Matter?
Turkish is a valuable language for many occupations.
There is no guarantee that the graduates of an English degree can easily be applied in all the Turkish offices. A few companies are available to speak Turkish with their employees and customers.
Thus, during the university years, students can therefore learn Turkish to become a part of the working and social life.
English is still relevant, particularly in multilingual companies, in tourism, international trade, technology and education.
Internships Can Make a Difference
Pupils ought to not postpone consideration of work until after they have left school.
An internship can provide:
- Practical workplace experience
- Professional networking
- Industry knowledge
- Exposure to Turkish culture at the workplace
- A stronger CV
The work of people who have followed in the footsteps of the reference works.
Work Permits and Legal Requirements
Other tips for students: developing and maintaining a LinkedIn profile, attending career fairs, joining clubs and societies on the university campus and approaching the field of interest. International students will not be able to work in Turkey without taking care of the immigration and employment rules.
In the majority of cases, foreign nationals will need to obtain a right to work visa and employers may be liable under the work permit process.
Immigration regulations may vary, and it is essential for students to obtain the latest information on the immigration requirements of the Turkish government and obtain professional immigration advice where necessary.
Career Opportunities Beyond Turkey
In the first year, students will be able to research their industry and determine the types of skills that employers are looking for. They may concentrate on internships, projects, networking, and certifications by the second or third year.
Once 2-3 years have passed they can focus on internships, projects, networking and certifications.
Students may start to apply and research the employment laws for them to stay in Turkey for the last year of their studies.
Final Thoughts
Foreign students can be exposed to a diverse economy, a multicultural professional environment in Turkey. There are employment opportunities in a number of sectors such as technology, engineering, tourism, business, manufacturing, and others but there are no ‘sure’ jobs.
It is important to choose the right degree, gain some work experience, learn the proper language and understand the critical work authorization requirements. StudyLead Consultants are able to assist students in taking the time to think about academic decisions in addition to their extended study and career plans.