Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

Addressing the graduates, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that the month of Ramadan is meaningful in terms of sharing, solidarity, and brotherhood, and offered advice to TOBB ETÜ graduates regarding their lives after graduation. Mentioning that TOBB ETÜ is the project he is most proud of, Hisarcıklıoğlu said, “Because investment in education is the greatest investment in the country. TOBB ETÜ is not just an institution that awards diplomas. It is a model that cultivates individuals who understand the business world, know the field, solve problems, and take initiative. It is a university that integrates classroom learning with real-life experience through a collaborative education model. We have success stories in the public sector, private sector, academia, and entrepreneurship.We are proud to see our graduates here. As of this year, we have graduated 13,000 students, including master’s and doctoral degrees. To date, 990 TOBB ETÜ graduates have founded or partnered in 1,280 companies. Entrepreneurs make up 2% of the population in Türkiye. Entrepreneurs make up 11% of TOBB ETÜ graduates. That’s why we say TOBB ETÜ is Türkiye’s entrepreneurial university. Among our graduates are Members of Parliament, Mayors, General Directors in the public sector, Consuls, and District Governors. Our goal is to create a very strong ecosystem where TOBB ETÜ graduates support each other, work together, and refer each other. It’s no longer the era of know-how, but the era of know-who!” he said.

- Advice for graduates

M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, who wants TOBB ETÜ graduates to take ownership of the university, said:

"It is not just the buildings or campuses that make universities strong, but the strong network of graduates who support each other. If you have started a company, hire TOBB ETÜ graduates. If you work in the private sector or public service, refer your TOBB ETÜ friends. We used to complain about bureaucracy. Thankfully, we now have TOBB ETÜ bureaucrats. When I visit ministries, I see our TOBB ETÜ graduates. When I ask our ministers and directors general, they say they specifically prefer TOBB ETÜ graduates. Remember: you are not just a graduate of a university. You are also part of the largest family in the Turkish business world.Here’s another important piece of advice for you: don’t forget that you now have a digital colleague/competitor: artificial intelligence. Over the next 50 years, more than half of today’s professions will become obsolete. Artificial intelligence and automation have become your biggest competitors. But one thing will never change: entrepreneurship! Never give up on entrepreneurship, and for that, never give up on being innovative and dreaming big. Be conscientious in everything you do, in every environment you find yourself in. Be fair. Work for a world where the righteous are powerful, not the powerful are righteous. Do not marginalize anyone because of their language, religion, identity, opinion, or sect. Do not get stuck in your comfort zone. Do not rent your mind to anyone. As members of a generation that is free in thought, free in knowledge, and free in conscience, carry this flag in the most beautiful way.”