Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) hosted another significant event focusing on the professions of the future as part of its Science Café meetings. Organized by the BEUN Science Communication Office, the program titled "Future Professions: Information Security Specialization and Cybersecurity" was held at the EEM Cafeteria on Farabi Campus.
The event was organized within the scope of the objectives under the Council of Higher Education's 2030 Vision for Higher Education, with the aim of expanding science communication activities, bringing the knowledge produced at universities to society more effectively, and raising awareness of the professions of the future. During the event, information security specialization, the latest developments in cybersecurity, the impact of artificial intelligence on the sector, and career opportunities were discussed from various perspectives.
The program was moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, Coordinator of the BEUN Science Communication Office. The speakers included Asst. Prof. Dr. Semih Çakır, Director of the BEUN Karaelmas Cybersecurity Application and Research Center; Murat Demirci, Cybersecurity Project Manager and Trainer at Yönsis Cybersecurity; and Mehmet Ali Yıldız, a graduate of the Department of Computer Technologies at Karadeniz Ereğli Vocational School. The event was attended by academics and students.
In her opening remarks, Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin stated that the Science Café gatherings aim to strengthen knowledge sharing between the University and society. She noted that such events, organized at BEUN in line with the Council of Higher Education's vision for science communication, also make significant contributions to students' career planning.
Speaking at the event, Asst. Prof. Dr. Semih Çakır stated that significant transformations have taken place in cybersecurity education with the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies. Emphasizing that today's students should be equipped not only with technical knowledge but also with analytical thinking, the effective use of artificial intelligence tools, ethical awareness, and lifelong learning skills, Çakır noted that the demand for qualified professionals in fields such as cloud security, artificial intelligence security, threat intelligence, digital forensics, and critical infrastructure security will continue to grow in the coming years. He also pointed out that relying solely on a university degree is a major shortcoming in career planning, stressing that practical experience, certification processes, and project development are of great importance for professional development.
Murat Demirci, Cybersecurity Project Manager and Trainer at Yönsis Cybersecurity, stated that artificial intelligence is not a technology that will replace cybersecurity professionals but rather a powerful tool that will make their work more effective. Demirci emphasized that, in order for university students to become preferred professionals in the sector after graduation, they need to gain project experience alongside technical knowledge, closely follow emerging technologies, and continuously improve themselves. He further highlighted that problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and communication competencies are just as valuable as technical expertise in the professions of the future.
The final speaker of the program, Mehmet Ali Yıldız, a graduate of the Department of Computer Technologies at Karadeniz Ereğli Vocational School, shared his career journey from student life to professional employment with the participants. Yıldız stated that, during his transition from graduation to professional life, being open to learning, adapting to teamwork, and placing importance on personal development provided him with significant advantages alongside technical competence. He advised students to make the most of their internship experiences, take part in hands-on projects, and build strong professional networks in order to secure their first career opportunities. He also added that, if he had the chance to return to his student years, he would develop more practical applications and pursue international certification programs at an earlier stage.
The program concluded with a group photograph commemorating the occasion.
Rector Özölçer: "We Will Continue to Contribute to the Development of a Competent Workforce for the Professions of the Future"
Evaluating the program, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer emphasized that the fields of information security and cybersecurity have strategic importance in the digital transformation process and made the following remarks:
"With the rapid advancement of technological developments in today's world, cybersecurity has become a critical field of study not only as a technical discipline but also in terms of the security of nations, institutions, and individuals. As higher education institutions, one of our greatest responsibilities is to accurately interpret the changing dynamics of professions and equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required by the future.
As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, we attach great importance to carrying out initiatives that follow scientific developments, embrace an educational approach aligned with the needs of the sector, and contribute to the career journeys of our students. In this context, I believe that gatherings such as this, organized through our Science Communication Office, are highly valuable in enabling our students to gain first-hand knowledge about current technologies, emerging professions, and career opportunities.
On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, for his visionary initiatives shaping the future of our higher education system and for his valuable contributions to the development of our universities. I believe that this approach toward the professions of the future will make significant contributions to our country's scientific, technological, and human resource capacity.
Our University will continue with determination to implement initiatives that strengthen science communication, prepare our young people for the world of the future, and contribute to our country's science and technology ecosystem."
