Experiential learning takes many forms at Rowan University, including internships, student teaching, clinical and lab work, and research.
Meet Tyler Guner, a Rowan University finance major with a minor in management information systems (MIS). A go-getter who landed an incredible summer internship thousands of miles from home, Tyler proves that a little networking and a whole lot of ambition can lead to extraordinary opportunities. Here Tyler shares his experience as a six-week summer intern, between his junior and senior year, with Koç Holding, Turkey’s largest industrial and financial conglomerate.
Working directly under the office’s investment manager, Tyler gained first-hand experience in the world of high finance. His responsibilities ranged from meticulously analyzing stocks and ETFs to mastering the complexities of inflation accounting in a high-inflation economy. He learned about global markets, tracking Japanese, European, and U.S. stock exchanges all within a single workday, gaining a unique global perspective rarely seen by college interns.
“Interning abroad has long been a goal of mine, and doing so with such a prestigious company in Istanbul provided unparalleled exposure to major global stock exchanges. I am grateful to Mr. Evrim Dairecioglu, Mr. Mehmet Apak (Accounting Director and Head of Temel Ticaret A.S.), and my wonderful colleagues for making this experience both enriching and enjoyable,” Tyler says.
But it wasn’t just about the numbers and work; Tyler also immersed himself in the Turkish business culture, attending company meetings and summer parties, forging relationships that extended far beyond the professional. He found himself welcomed as part of the team, not just as an intern, highlighting the importance of international perspectives in global business environments. He states “They didn’t just see me as an intern; they saw me as one of their own.”
Tyler believes that internships offer more than just bullet points on a resume. They provide invaluable real-world experience, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. While his internship presented significant challenges, from navigating a culture and language in Turkey that were new to him, to mastering complex financial concepts like inflation accounting that he said was “challenging to learn because … [he] didn’t really know business terms in Turkish,” he found the experience incredibly rewarding. Furthermore, he stated that the overall supportive and welcoming environment fostered by his colleagues contributed to a positive learning experience that extended beyond the purely professional. Tyler’s successful internship experience at Koç Holding highlights how beneficial networking and seeking out international opportunities can be for college students.
Tyler reflects, sharing this advice: “I encourage fellow students to step out of their comfort zones and pursue international internships, as they offer unique insights into diverse business practices worldwide. I look forward to leveraging my newfound expertise in investment banking and embracing future opportunities in the field.”
Written by: Valentina Giannattasio, senior double major in dance & marketing