CONVERSAVIATION Career Day Sheds Light on the Aviation Industry

CONVERSAVIATION Career Day, organised at İstanbul Nişantaşı University by the Aviation Transport Club, Nişantaşı Pilot Training Club, Aircraft Maintenance and Repair Club, Aviation Management Club and Aviation Electrical and Electronics Club, concluded with guidance for aviation students. The event introduced the university’s Pilot Training Department and its internship opportunities, emphasising its accreditation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (SHGM).

Industry specialists took part as speakers. Airline representative Hasan Ökçüntekle shared his career journey and the need to work under time pressure when handling flight schedules. Emphasising internships’ importance in students’ transition to employment, he noted that students considered competent by their internship employers and possessing good English skills are often hired. Expressing his passion for aircraft, he said every aircraft has a unique story and that discovering these stories is a great source of excitement.

Turkish Airlines Cabin Chief Derya Arslan advised students seeking cabin crew careers. She explained that passenger satisfaction requires mental resilience as well as physical endurance. English proficiency plays a critical role in cabin crew interviews, and candidates undergo physical tests after an English examination. Sharing a cabin chief’s daily experiences, she highlighted the importance of communicating in different languages and the vital role of adequate language skills in emergencies.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and Technical Instructor Onur Satı discussed obtaining different aviation licences and licensing procedures. Providing information on internship options, he encouraged students to contact aviation companies and begin their career journeys early. He suggested that reducing social media use and establishing professional contact with human resources departments would offer significant advantages. Discussing differences between civil aviation and the defence industry, he said students could choose either field according to their aspirations.

Boeing 737 pilot Yiğit Çiçekçi discussed healthy living habits in the profession and shared details of a piloting career. He emphasised that meticulous flight planning is vital and that internship experience has a lasting career impact. Describing the challenges of working around the clock, he urged students to select the best internship placements, which serve as their first professional connections.

A gift draw added colour to the event. In his closing speech, Lecturer Mustafa Olukkaya thanked the organising clubs and speakers and emphasised aviation’s importance in Türkiye and worldwide. The successful career day concluded with commemorative plaques presented to the speakers.