Dr Ecmel Ayral says: ‘Come and choose yourself.’

“Come and Choose Yourself.”

This may sound strange at first, but it actually points to a possibility that we have forgotten about for years. As the so-called ‘university application period’ approaches, it is time to wake up — we are not condemned to the trap of multiple-choice applications. I have seen thousands of young people waste their lives trying not to waste their grades, thousands who could not access a profession in which they would have excelled because their grades were not high enough, and thousands who put themselves at the centre of their choices and gained access to opportunities around the world. We have organised a summer camp to help you join the latter group. Come and discover both yourself and the opportunities that the world has to offer.

When we say ‘Choose Yourself’, we’re highlighting three key areas:

1. Firstly, understanding your own desires and aspirations. People often set themselves goals influenced by external factors. This is especially true when it comes to choosing a career or a university course: people often find themselves — or lose themselves — while heading in the direction the majority desires. This summer, we invite you to discover who you are and what you truly want.

The second area is understanding your own competencies and skills. How closely do your desires align with your natural talents and areas where you’ll truly shine? Will you be able to perform at a high level in the career you have chosen, possibly because of outside influences? Will you still love it while doing that job? Because only then will you truly shine. This summer, we invite you to discover the true nature of careers and what suits you best.

Thirdly, consider whether your choices will still be valuable after you leave school. The world is changing so rapidly that professions which seem very prestigious today may well disappear, but new fields will emerge in their place. Of course, the way you do your job will change too. This summer, we invite you to challenge clichés, align your dreams with reality and prepare for the future.

Actually, there’s a fourth point, which is perhaps the most important: When we hear the word ‘choice’, we tend to think of a list of 25 options. You’re expected to rank them from top to bottom according to last year’s majority trends (not your own), and then wait to see if you’ve ‘got it right’. Believe me, the world is bigger than 25 options, and opportunities don’t emerge from comparing your choices with those of others. This summer, we invite you to discover the opportunities, advantages and possibilities in the world that you hadn’t even considered.

All right, let’s talk about the “Kariyer Kamp” that this invitation is all about.

Unlike classic summer courses, Kariyer Kamp isn’t just about sitting in rows taking notes. It’s an experiential camp.

What makes Kariyer Kamp ‘world-class’?

Real-world environments, real-world experience: Here, you won’t just listen to theoretical discussions on a subject. You’ll experience the practical applications of engineering, finance and healthcare first-hand. You will learn through doing, making mistakes, debating and redesigning, because we know that real learning only begins when you step outside your comfort zone.

A Gateway to a Global Vision: In today’s world, careers are global, not local. We don’t just equip young people with options within Türkiye; we give them a global perspective that enables them to compete on a worldwide scale. Kariyer Kamp is the first and most tangible step towards this broad vision, ensuring you always have one foot in the global arena.

A strong advisory board and mentor network: This camp is backed by a formidable Advisory Board comprising some of the most respected figures in Türkiye and around the world. Here, our young people work alongside not only trainers, but also high-level mentors who are shaping the business world and possess a global vision. These mentors offer students more than just knowledge: they provide them with a vision they can draw upon throughout their lives, as well as an invaluable network.

The Quest for Meaning through Ikigai: At the heart of our programme lies the renowned Japanese philosophy of ikigai. Our goal is to guide you towards not just a job that ‘makes money’, but rather to help you find that magical intersection where the world’s needs meet what you love and what you’re talented at.

A Collaboration Beyond Borders: Created in partnership with ASBA International Education Consultancy, ApplyEurolink, Forbes Türkiye and our global partners, this structure provides young people with the key to a global ecosystem they can turn to throughout their lives.

Dear parents, we have a promise for you:

We don’t just offer a social environment where your child can have a good time; we provide a ‘bridge of trust and vision’ that will support them every step of the way, from achieving their overseas goals to becoming global citizens. Backed by our strong board and team of experts, we blend academic discipline with the realities of life.

Dear young friend, remember: if you are here, the world is here.

Let’s meet at Kariyer Kamp between 5–17 July or 2–14 August. Come and let’s not only choose your university, but also build your place in the world and secure your future path, together.

Come and choose yourself.

Dr Ecmel Ayral