Students in the Finance and Banking (English) Department of the Faculty of Business Administration are being prepared for the business world through practical training environments such as BISTLAB and the Vakıfbank Simulation Laboratory. Prof. Dr. Serkan Çankaya, the Head of the Department, highlighted the broad job opportunities and practical training facilities offered by the department.

Could you tell us about the Finance and Banking (English) Department programs and their benefits to students?

The Finance and Banking Department is one of the long-established departments of the university. The department has been offering its program in English since 2020, previously being 30% English. Besides the undergraduate program, comprehensive postgraduate programs are also available. The Finance Institute is a particularly significant part of our offerings, with the main team being built upon the Finance and Banking Department.

Why should students choose the Finance and Banking (English) Department?

Graduates from this department have a wide range of opportunities. Many students consider finance and banking a narrow field, but that’s not the case. As the name suggests, there are various job opportunities in different units of the banking sector. For example, more socially inclined students might prefer working in communication-related units, while those strong in quantitative skills might focus on risk management or headquarters units.

Moreover, every sector in the real economy has finance or accounting units where our graduates can find jobs. There are also opportunities to work as brokers or dealers in capital markets. These are just a few examples of the broad career opportunities available to our graduates.

How are students of the Finance and Banking (English) Department prepared for the business world?

Post-graduation career preparation is a top priority for us. Istanbul Commerce University, as the name suggests, is closely intertwined with the real business world. Throughout their academic journey, students have continuous interaction with both academic and business sectors. We provide practical training environments like BISTLAB, where students can gain hands-on experience with technology and data, and the Vakıfbank Simulation Laboratory, where students undergo practical training in various banking units. These experiences prepare our students for the challenges of the business world.

What are the advantages of studying in the Finance and Banking (English) Department at Istanbul Commerce University?

The essential advantage is the emphasis on practical training. Similar curriculums are offered at other institutions, but the hands-on experiences provided through BISTLAB and the Vakıfbank Simulation Laboratory, along with a faculty comprised of industry professionals, offer a unique preparation for the real world.

What are the research activities of the Finance and Banking (English) Department and what are their benefits to society?

Since its inception, and especially with the mission of the Finance Institute, the department has been working towards Turkey’s goal of making Istanbul an international finance center. Our activities and mission are aligned with providing the necessary skilled workforce to achieve this vision.

What are the benefits of the partnerships and collaborations of the Finance and Banking (English) Department for students and faculty?

While the department has numerous academic collaborations, students are particularly interested in the opportunities these provide. We have various research collaborations with universities abroad, and we participate in Erasmus programs, allowing students to study at leading finance and management schools in Europe, such as the Frankfurt School of Finance, through special agreements.

What is the role of technology in the education of the Finance and Banking (English) Department?

Technology is an integral part of our lives, and our recent curriculum updates have focused heavily on technological advancements. Applications of artificial intelligence and big data are significant in finance, and we integrate these into our curriculum from the very first year to ensure that our students are well-prepared for the industry.

What are the future goals of the Finance and Banking (English) Department?

Our primary focus for the future is technology. We aim to keep our curriculum dynamic and integrate with other departments, such as Management Information Systems, to prepare students for the evolving finance and banking landscape. Traditional methods are being phased out, and we strive to equip our students with the skills needed for the next five years and beyond.