ENYÜKA “GEN-ERA” Summit Brought Together Students and Industry Professionals to Discuss the Future of Technology and Careers
The third edition of the ENYÜKA Summit, organized by the students of the Department of Industrial Engineering at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKÜ), was held at Alanya Cultural Center under the theme “GEN-ERA: The Transformation of the Future from Artificial Intelligence to Energy.” Held over two days, the summit brought together students and industry professionals to discuss a wide range of current topics, including artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, energy, the defense industry, digital transformation, and career development. Through sector–student meetings, participants had the opportunity to gain first-hand insights into professional experiences and career pathways across different industries.
The first sector–student meeting of the summit featured Ufuk Öztürk Peker, who shared his experience in artificial intelligence entrepreneurship, the technology ecosystem, and career development. Emphasizing that artificial intelligence has evolved beyond being merely a technological tool and has become a new-generation system transforming the way businesses operate, Peker provided insights into AI-based solutions and digital workforce systems developed by Arya-AI. He also discussed the challenges encountered throughout the entrepreneurship journey and highlighted the importance of continuous learning, disciplined work, and the ability to adapt rapidly to change. The recognition of Arya-AI as the “Best Artificial Intelligence Startup of the Year” and its projects attracting international attention were also among the topics discussed. During the Q&A session, students had the opportunity to ask questions about AI entrepreneurship, the startup ecosystem, and career planning in the technology sector.
The second speaker of the first day was Arif Ataman, Deputy General Manager of BOTAŞ International. Ataman shared his professional experience in the energy sector and provided information on the strategic importance of energy at the global level, the activities of BOTAŞ International, pipeline operations, and petroleum transportation processes. Drawing attention to the dynamic nature of the energy sector and the importance of managing energy resources sustainably, Ataman also discussed the critical role of pipelines in international trade and energy security. He further shared insights into Türkiye’s position in the energy sector and the ongoing transformation within the industry. During the Q&A session, students asked questions about the energy sector, petroleum transportation processes, and career opportunities.
The third speaker of the first day was Mustafa Ermiş, who shared his experiences regarding digital transformation, career development, and opportunities in the technology sector. During the session, the role of BTK Academy’s free educational and certification programs in supporting young people’s career development was highlighted, together with the contribution of public institutions to technological transformation. Emphasizing the importance of developing competencies in artificial intelligence, software, and digital technologies, Ermiş shared examples from his own career journey and underlined the value of continuous learning, disciplined work, and keeping up with technological developments. Students also had the opportunity to ask questions about career planning in the technology sector, working environments in the public and private sectors, the future of artificial intelligence, and the competencies increasingly sought by the industry.
The final sector–student meeting of the first day featured Alper Topçu, Senior Engineer at ASELSAN, who shared his professional experience in the defense industry, artificial intelligence technologies, and career development. Topçu discussed the applications of artificial intelligence in the defense industry, intelligent systems, and technological transformation, emphasizing the increasing importance of software- and AI-based systems in defense technologies. He also provided information about the technical competencies and problem-solving skills expected from engineers in the defense industry, as well as internship and career opportunities at ASELSAN. Drawing on his own career journey from university to professional life, Topçu highlighted the importance of continuous learning and keeping up with technological developments. During the Q&A session, students asked questions about the working environment in the defense industry, the future of artificial intelligence technologies, key competencies in engineering careers, and internship opportunities.
The first sector–student meeting of the second day featured Çisem Öztürk, an SAP Specialist at Sistem Alüminyum and a graduate of Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University. Öztürk shared her career journey and professional experience in the SAP field, providing students with valuable insights into professional life. The session focused particularly on the role of SAP modules in business processes, their applications within organizations, and their significance in digital transformation. Students also received information about the competencies required for pursuing a career in SAP and the skills increasingly valued in the sector. By sharing her transition from university life to the professional world, Öztürk provided students with practical insights into career development. The session concluded with a Q&A in which students asked questions about SAP systems, career planning, and professional experiences.
The second speaker of the day was Gülnur Osanmaz, who shared valuable insights into human resources processes and career planning. The session addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on human resources, particularly its use in CV screening, candidate evaluation, and preliminary selection processes. Osanmaz also discussed effective CV preparation, key considerations during job interviews, the use of professional references, and the contribution of hobbies to a candidate’s profile, providing examples from professional practice. During the Q&A session, students had the opportunity to ask questions about career planning, recruitment and interview processes, and the competencies required to stand out in the professional world.
The third sector–student meeting of the second day featured Baki Gül, Senior Developer at Huawei, who provided comprehensive information on the working principles, current applications, and development processes of AI agents. The session addressed the technical definition of AI agents, how large language models (LLMs) interact with tools, and the underlying logic of developing agent-based systems. Through practical examples, Gül explained how an AI agent can use tools to make decisions and perform actions toward a specific objective. Coding examples were also used to introduce fundamental concepts such as tool calling, context management, and agent loops. In addition, the session explored the transformation of the software industry through artificial intelligence, remote working practices, experiences of working with global teams, and the advantages and challenges of remote work. During the Q&A session, students asked questions about career planning in artificial intelligence, technologies used in AI agent development, key competencies in the industry, and professional experiences in international companies.
Throughout the two-day summit, the sector–student meetings provided students with opportunities to complement their academic education with first-hand industry experience and to engage directly with professionals from different fields. Covering a broad range of topics—from artificial intelligence and energy to the defense industry, digital transformation, SAP applications, and human resources—the summit offered students diverse perspectives on the evolving dynamics of the professional world and the skills required for future careers.
Organized by the students of the Department of Industrial Engineering at Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, the ENYÜKA “GEN-ERA” Summit successfully brought together students, industry professionals, and representatives from different fields to facilitate knowledge and experience sharing. We extend our sincere appreciation to all students who contributed to the organization of the summit, the invited speakers, supporting institutions and organizations, and all participants who contributed to the success of the event.
