You have completed the 3rd grade, how was this semester completed with distance education for you?
I can say that the distance education process was fruitful for me. Articles, videos, etc. My instructors supported the lessons with various contents. I think there is interaction. Online education should not be preferred in the normal education process, but due to the increase in the epidemic, I think that I can get enough efficiency from my school and my trainers when we switch to online education. Has the distance education process contributed positively to you? What did you do to improve yourself during this process? Because I like to research and read, I have reviewed various contents and read articles. I have had different experiences. I used materials on the Internet. I also developed myself during the internship process. You have been away from both your school and your friends and teachers during the distance education process, what did you miss the most during this process? I am a person with good communication and bilateral relations. That's why I miss my friends and teachers so much. I missed participating in social events and taking part in projects and studies. I miss taking notes while listening to the lecture in the front row. I miss analyzing and discussing different points of view. I needed face-to-face communication.
You completed your compulsory internship this summer. Can you tell us about your industry experiences during the internship process?
My internship went very well and was very productive. I was worried that I would be alienated from my profession because of the approach of the people I would meet during the internship, but it did not work out as I was worried, I got very good results. I met nice people with whom I kept in touch after my internship was over. The work I did during my internship and the people I knew gave me a lot. I communicated not only with people working in my department but also with people working in other parts of the hotel. I also experienced the patisserie, a la carte, and hot sections. When I started my internship, I didn't want the cold section, but luckily I was assigned to the cold section. Now I am very glad that I have gained experience in the cold department and I offer myself the option to continue my career in the cold department. I can say that the most important thing in my internship was that I gained speed and order. I can control the kitchen. I can make a schedule. I also had the chance to visit the kitchen of Kocaeli University.
How do you plan to direct your career after graduation, can you tell us about your goals?
I think a lot about this and I worry about the future. I talk to my friends, business owners, and professors about how to progress after graduation. I am a person who is open to sharing and conveying his knowledge and experience, so I aim to be an instructor from my first year of university. After graduating with my undergraduate degree, I want to complete my master's degree at Istanbul Gelişim University and cook in this sector. Then I offer myself the option of being a trainer. I plan to be an owner-chef in the future. I want to evaluate my recipes and presentations, design a place outside the known, and develop different tastes.
What advice would you give to your friends who are new to our department?
First of all, I can say that they took the right step because they chose Istanbul Gelişim University. I think that our trainers are sufficient and successful in terms of practice and theory. I can say that our courses are supported by various content and are efficient. We can establish social communication with our instructors outside of the classroom. I also recommend that they join our school's clubs; in this way, they have experience in projects and events. I took part in some associations by participating in the activities of my school. I recommend that they get support from the books in our library regarding course content. They should not limit themselves to only the information on the internet, they can access various resources in our school. There were articles, magazines, books, movies, and documentaries suggested to us by my instructors, and I followed them, researched them, and read them. This has helped me a lot. Be sure to take into account the suggestions of our instructors, at the end of the road you will say that you have read and watched two good times. I also think that they should take initiatives such as producing content on social media. Because now our profession attracts a lot of attention on social media. Finally, I recommend that they consult with our trainers for their personal development and how they will follow after graduation.
We would like to thank our student Ecren Hacer Boz for answering our questions.
