The program titled “Choices Shaping the Future” organized by Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) Science Communication Office, was held.
Director of BEUN Psychological Counselling and Guidance Application and Research Center Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin attended the program held at Tahir Karauğuz Conference Hall and moderated by the Head of the BEUN Science Communication Office Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin. In her opening speech for the program aimed at prospective students and their families, Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin emphasized that university preference is one of the significant periods of one’s life.
Success rate is not the only significant criteria
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin talked about the points to consider in the preference period. Highlighting the frequently made mistakes in this period, Bilgin stated that it is not a healthy approach to choose the program focusing on the rankings, but students’ personal interest, skills, and personal characteristics should also be included in the process. In this respect, students can refer to professional interest and aptitude tests. He emphasized that a program known as a “good” one might not be the right choice. It was stated that it is significant for success and satisfaction that students know themselves and prefer an appropriate field.
The program covered the question “Will this profession lose its relevance in the future?”. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin stated that changing technology, business world, and social needs should be considered not just the popularity when the professions of the future are evaluated.
The role of the families was also evaluated during the program. Asooc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin emphasized the importance of a supportive approach of parents taking their children’s interest, skills, and expectations into consideration instead of making the decision on their own. Highlighting the significance of communication in case of disagreements over the choice of academic majors, Bilgin emphasized that individual characteristics and goals of the students should be considered in this process.
5 significant criteria in university and major selection
In the final part of the program, basic criteria prospective students should pay attention to were discussed. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Okan Bilgin noted that students should know themselves well, consider their interest and skills, evaluate their fit for the major, research the academic and social opportunities the university provides, and consider the career opportunities.
The program will be published online on BEUN’s official Youtube account for prospective students, families, and audience who are interested in university and major preference period.
