Gizem Turan, Fashion Design, Fashion Institute of Technology - ITU '13
When I heard of a Fashion Design Dual Diploma program which was run between two long-established universities, SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Istanbul Technical University (ITU), I hit the ground running to apply for this program. Both the opportunity to graduate from two leading universities and the opportunity of OPT (Optional Practical Training), which allows you to work in the U.S after graduation, attracted me to choose this program. During my education, both universities helped me to gain different experiences. While studying at ITU, my teachers prepared me for the reality of business life. Our teachers at FIT, who educated most of the prominent designers all around the world, taught us everything about the fashion sector.
After graduating from ITU and FIT with a degree, I made the best choice of my life and stayed in the United States to work for a year. It made me happy and content to experience and learn new things while working. I returned to Turkey and now I am working at Istanbul Technical University, being the youngest instructor, sharing my experiences with students who are now where I used to be. This feeling is priceless!
The support of our program coordinator, Prof. Dr. Cevza Candan, is endless. She always helps us see new opportunities and take advantage of these opportunities. Thanks to her, I met with the manager of Bossa Denim Company and took part in a denim contest which was held in Amsterdam. Every company participating in this contest brought their youngest designers and competed to use denim material in the best design. I was please to be awarded with the best denim material combination. This was another great experience for me. I advise all fashion design students to take advantage of similar contests and do their best to attend.
We know that education is important, but choosing the best university comes first in your career plan. I would choose this program again if I were asked to re-take the university exam. I want to thank the ITU-SUNY program for the experiences you provided me in the past and continue to provide to current students.