Istanbul: September 2013

Immersions Experience Overview

In September 2013, MBA@UNC students traveled to Turkey to participate in the Istanbul Global Immersion. Titled “East Meets West,” this immersion gave students the opportunity to explore Turkey’s unique role as a growing economy that sits on the physical and cultural divide between Europe and the Middle East. Sessions concentrated on the future of business in Turkey and examined the impacts of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship on the country’s growth. During these sessions, students were also able to meet and share experiences with executive MBA students from Istanbul’s Koç University.

Day One: The Past, Present and Emerging Markets of Turkey

After arriving in Istanbul, students began their three-day immersion experience with a series of discussions featuring influential figures in Turkish business, European affairs and the Kenan-Flagler Business School.

Sessions included: “History of Turkey’s Economic Development,” hosted by the former Turkish ambassador to the European Union and current chairman of AB Consultancy and Investment Services, Ambassador Cem Duna; “Emerging Market Finance,” hosted by Christian Lundland, the Edward M. O’Herron Distinguished Scholar and professor of finance at the Kenan-Flagler Business School; and “Financial Markets: Practitioner Perspective,” hosted by the managing director at Ünlü Portfolio Management, Murat Gülkan. You can learn more about these sessions here.

Day Two: The Future of Turkey

The second day of the Istanbul Immersion focused on the future of Turkey and its key challenges and opportunities as a developing economy as well as the cultural challenges the nation faces due to its geopolitical importance. Students also had the opportunity to hear from UNC Kenan-Flagler alumni as well as collaborating with executive MBA students from Istanbul’s Koç University.

Sessions included: “From Chapel Hill to Istanbul: Kenan-Flagler Business School Journey,” hosted by a UNC alumni panel; “Future of Turkey: Impact of Taksim Square,” hosted by Financial Times Turkey Correspondent Daniel Dombey; and “Insightful Global Leadership: Eye on Turkey,” hosted by Kenan-Flagler Professor of Leadership and Management Mabel Miguel. Learn more about Day Two’s events and sessions here.

Day Three: Technology and Innovation in Turkey and Beyond

The final day of the Istanbul Immersion gave students the opportunity to explore the impact of technological advances on the local and global business landscape.

Sessions included: “Technology Innovation in the Entrepreneurial World,” hosted by the head of Turk Telekom Group R&D Directorate, Enis Erkel; “Growing Business in Istanbul and Around the World,” hosted by Didem Altop of Endeavor Turkey; and “Bringing Microsoft to the Middle East and Africa: Global Strategy for a U.S. Company,” hosted by VP of Microsoft Middle East and Africa Division Ali Faramawy. Meet Day Three’s speakers and learn more here.

Throughout the weekend students also had the opportunity to experience Istanbul’s local culture and entertainment. If you are interested in learning more about global immersion experiences, contact an admissions counselor now at 888-986-2622 or via email for more information.