The event, held on March 2 at the Hatice Gülşen Çetin Conference Hall of Honaz VS, was jointly organized by the E-Commerce and Marketing and Foreign Trade departments. The panel featured Pamuk Koza Textile Founder and DETGİS Board Member Gülbin Yardım, Trendyol Aegean Region Sales and Business Development Manager Nuri Erdoğan, and Evona Textile and Trade Export Ltd. Co. Founder and DEGİAD Technology and Entrepreneurship Committee Member Ertuğrul Yıldız as speakers. The panel was moderated by Head of the E-Commerce and Marketing Department Associate Professor Dr. Meltem Öztürk and Head of the Foreign Trade Department Lecturer Dr. Gülçin Aksöl.

Emphasis on Branding and Differentiation

Industry representatives stated that success in global competition is possible not only through selling products but also through building a brand, differentiation, and offering personalized customer experiences. It was emphasized that in e-export, consumer expectations change rapidly, and companies must develop unique stories, design, and customer-oriented strategies.

Sharing their entrepreneurial experiences with students, the speakers noted that even small businesses can reach global markets with the right strategy, emphasizing that e-export is no longer an area exclusive to large companies.

Starting Through Marketplaces Advantage

One of the key topics highlighted in the panel was the process of entering e-commerce. Speakers stated that starting e-commerce and e-export through marketplaces offers significant advantages, especially for new entrepreneurs. It was noted that entry barriers are reduced thanks to existing customer traffic, logistics infrastructure, and trust factors, while the importance of correct product, correct market, and correct pricing strategies was emphasized.

Panelists also stated that the e-export ecosystem is growing rapidly and that small and large businesses can compete on equal terms in global markets thanks to easy e-export platforms.

Internship and Career Advice for Students

Important messages regarding students’ career development were also shared. Speakers emphasized that work and internship experience gained during education accelerates students’ adaptation to professional life and significantly improves skills such as initiative, problem-solving, and decision-making.

It was highlighted that e-commerce is a constantly changing field requiring quick decision-making, and young people should be dynamic individuals who continuously update themselves and conduct research, which is critical for career success.

The Q&A session provided participants with the opportunity to directly communicate with industry professionals and learn about current developments in e-export. At the end of the event, students stated that listening to real industry experiences contributed significantly to their career planning.

Honaz Vocational School Director Assistant Professor Dr. Necla İrem İri stated that similar university–industry collaboration events would continue in the coming period and presented certificates of appreciation to the speakers.