BAU Graduate School of Business: Business and University Collaboration

The 'Graduate School of Business' program launched by Bahçeşehir University (BAU) brings graduate students together with the business world. Stating that a dream of his has come true with the launch of the program, BAU Board of Trustees Chairman Enver Yücel said: "Türkiye's way forward will be opened by good education."

The Graduate School of Business was introduced at an event held at Bahçeşehir University South Campus. The evening was attended by BAU Board of Trustees Chairman Enver Yücel; BAU President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın; Burak Küntay, Director of the BAU Graduate School of Social Sciences and founder of the Graduate School of Business; Tal Garih, Chairman of the Board of the Graduate School of Business; many academics; and important representatives of the business world. The opening speech of the program was given by President Prof. Dr. Şenay Yalçın.

"WE CANNOT CONTINUE WITH THE OLD MINDSET"

Stating that he had dreamed of business-university collaboration for many years, Enver Yücel said: "It has been 20 years since we founded the university. I have been at the helm as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for 20 years. I am extremely happy to see my dream come true now. I closely follow the work of the Graduate School of Business. I often visit universities and other schools, and this was my dream. I always wanted to bring the business world and the university together, to get the views of the business world and learn its expectations, and even for it to be a content provider in shaping our curriculum. Türkiye's way forward will be opened by good education. As Türkiye, we have come a long way. To go further, it is clear that we cannot continue with the old mindset and culture."

"THE BUSINESS WORLD WILL HELP DESIGN EDUCATION"

Explaining that they have received feedback from the business world that theoretical education does not meet its needs, Burak Küntay said: "For years, students have been educated at universities and then moved into the business world. The most important feedback we have received from the private sector is that the theory-heavy education given at universities does not really meet the private sector's real needs. In response, they began to blend academic instructors with instructors from the industry. The real issue is not instructors supporting each other in teaching. What we need to create is a collective difference in perspective. The business world needs to have an influence on the design of university programs. Tonight is the night we see the results of the work we have put in for two years. It is the managerial involvement of distinguished people who have reached the very top of the private sector in the design of the university's graduate program."

"PRACTICE HAS AN IMPORTANT PLACE ALONGSIDE THEORY"

Explaining that they formed the board of the Graduate School of Business from leading names in the business world, Tal Garih described their goals as follows:

"Education and youth lie at the heart of everything. When we looked into this, we realized that, unfortunately, there is a disconnect between academia and the private sector. We need to further develop our existing ecosystems. All stakeholders need to move towards common goals. Accordingly, we formed the board of the Graduate School of Business from a private-sector committee. These special people shed light on our school, provide guidance and teach classes. Because however important theory is, practical knowledge is also very important, especially in a business school. Accordingly, we are carrying out very valuable work. We are reshaping the MBA program and readapting the future of education. This year we are also publishing a book called 'The Future of Education'."