Hello, first of all, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hello, I’m Buse Çağlar. I am a graduate of the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department at Istanbul Gelişim University. I’ve had a great passion for cooking and exploring culinary culture since my childhood. Learning both traditional Turkish cuisine and world cuisines, and improving myself in this field, has always been very important to me. During my education, I also worked on developing my skills in pastry.
What was your main motivation for choosing Istanbul Gelişim University’s Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department, and how did the process go for you?
My biggest motivation for choosing this department was that I didn’t see gastronomy as merely cooking. I thought of it as an art, a culture, and a field of creativity. Istanbul Gelişim University’s hands-on training opportunities and strong academic staff also influenced my decision. I did a lot of research during the process, looking into the university’s graduates and programs. I believe I made the right choice.
You completed your internship this summer. What advice would you give to your friends who will do their internships next year?
First of all, I would advise my friends to remain open to learning. It’s very important not to be afraid of making mistakes and to see every opportunity as an experience. In the kitchen, one needs to be disciplined, patient, and cooperative in teamwork. They should also take notes and not forget to ask for feedback from their chefs. The internship is the best way to put into practice what you have learned in school.
Do you have industry experience? How did you spend your student years? Could you tell us about your future goals and plans?
So far, I have had some industry experience along with my internship. I worked actively in the kitchen and had the chance to observe service processes as well. To make my student years productive, I focused on both courses and practical training. My future goal is to improve myself in international cuisines and to advance my foreign language skills. In the long term, I want to open my own restaurant and offer guests flavors that combine both traditional and modern touches.
We would like to thank our graduate, Buse Çağlar, for sharing her valuable insights and wish her success in her professional career.
