Kariyerküre Summit 2026, organised with the aim of offering young people a fresh perspective on their career journeys, was hosted by Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKÜ). The summit, designed to strengthen the connection between education and real life, took place at the HKÜ Congress and Culture Centre (KKM). Bringing together young people, parents, educators and representatives from the business world on a single platform, the opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of National Education Bilal Macit, HKÜ Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan, Kariyerküre Founder Esra Değerli, Chair of the Board of Kalyon PV Kübra Kalyoncu, as well as students and invited guests.

A Diploma Alone Is Not Enough; What Truly Matters Are Your Competencies

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of National Education Bilal Macit highlighted the contributions of Hasan Kalyoncu to the country, stating: “I remember Hasan Kalyoncu with respect and gratitude for his services to our nation. I would also like to thank the esteemed members of his family who have meticulously continued his legacy and carried it forward with growing success each day. Dear young people, whatever your goals may be in your career journey, never forget Türkiye’s role and the expectations our people have of you. Undoubtedly, graduating from university and holding a diploma is important. However, what truly determines success today is the competencies you acquire and the skills you develop throughout your education. Universities, therefore, are not merely institutions that transfer knowledge, but centres that teach you how to learn and prepare you for the world of the future. Remember, the most fundamental characteristic of successful individuals is hard work. Yet extracurricular activities, teamwork, student clubs and sports are just as important as academic achievement.”

A Career Is the Process of Writing Your Own Story

Expressing her great pleasure in hosting such a meaningful event that guides young people, HKÜ Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan stated: “We consider it extremely valuable that the Kariyerküre Summit is being held for the first time in Gaziantep and at our university, and we believe this initiative will evolve into a nationwide educational movement across Türkiye. A career is not merely about choosing a profession; it is a process of self-discovery and writing one’s own story. Therefore, it is essential to move beyond the question ‘Which profession?’ and instead seek answers to ‘Who am I?’. In line with this purpose, under the roof of Hasan Kalyoncu University today, you will find answers to all your questions and take a step forward in your career journey. I hope this important summit becomes one of the most significant turning points in your lives. I would like to express my gratitude to Esra Değerli and the Kalyoncu family for their contributions in bringing this summit to life at the very beginning of its brand journey, and I respectfully commemorate the late Hasan Kalyoncu.”

The Most Valuable Path Is the One Where You Hear Your Own Voice

Kariyerküre Founder Esra Değerli emphasised that young people progressing in professions aligned with their strengths by discovering their own potential creates value both individually and socially. Highlighting that families should adopt a supportive rather than directive role, Değerli underlined the importance of young people listening to their own voices and charting their own unique paths. She stated: “Throughout your life, you will receive many suggestions and hear many directions. But the most valuable path is the one where you hear your own voice. As families, we should not impose our dreams, but accompany them in realising theirs.”

Career Is No Longer a Single Choice but a Design Process

In today’s rapidly changing world, the concept of career continues to transform. With the rise of artificial intelligence, digitalisation and new-generation professions, it has once again become evident that young people are no longer limited to choosing a single profession; rather, they must understand themselves, develop their skills and build a multidimensional future. Instead of providing ready-made answers, the Kariyerküre Summit created a space where young people could ask the right questions. The core approach of the summit was summarised in a single sentence: “Ask what’s on your mind, discover your skills, chart your path, design yourself.”

Inspiring Talks, Strong Panels, Hands-On Experiences

Through keynote speeches, panels and workshops held within the scope of the summit, participants engaged with a wide range of topics, from neuroscience to artificial intelligence, astrophysics to entrepreneurship, and youth psychology. Visionary talks and panels featuring leading experts such as Prof. Dr. Sinan Canan, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Aydın, Prof. Dr. Veysi İşler, Prof. Dr. Faruk Soydugan, Prof. Dr. Aytül Çorapçıoğlu Özdemir, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Dinç, Dr. Abdulkadir Özbek, Ercüment Büyükşener and Sait Gürsoy shed light on contemporary and multidimensional themes guiding young people in their career journeys.

Workshops organised with the support of TÜZDEV on the education and approaches for gifted individuals, in collaboration with Canva on modern presentation techniques, and with contributions from StudyProve on understanding and applying mathematics in daily life enabled participants to become active contributors—learning by doing, questioning and engaging directly in the process.

For Young People, Together with Young People

Kariyerküre Summit 2026 became a powerful meeting point that supported young people in discovering their potential and progressing more consciously in their career journeys. Rather than telling young people “what they should become”, the summit offered a space where they could explore who they want to be, creating a strong sense of awareness among participants. Serving as a hub for those wishing to design their future, Kariyerküre Summit 2026 went beyond being a mere event; it positioned itself as an experiential platform where young people discover themselves, find inspiration and take their first steps towards the future.