International Trade is one of today’s popular fields… In our country, there are many programs that begin with international trade. These programs can be grouped into five categories: International Trade, International Trade and Finance, International Trade and Management, International Trade and Business, and International Trade and Logistics. In today’s article, I have listed ten reasons to study in the International Trade Department. Following that, I have outlined ten key considerations to keep in mind when choosing an international trade program. Let’s begin…

Why Should I Study in the International Trade Department?

1. Job Security and Timeless Value
   In twenty years, half of today’s professions may no longer exist, and the other half will transform. Humanity existed before money, but trade has always been part of human history—and it will continue forever. International trade will always retain its value; this profession will never become obsolete.

2. A Profession that Lets You Explore the World
   Life is short—we exist between two calls: one at birth and one at death. Within this brief span, we live different lives. Choosing a profession—or having circumstances push you toward one—offers a chance to experience the world. If you are not a pilot, captain, or flight attendant, international trade allows you to explore the globe under the guise of work. Travel, observe, study, understand, describe, and share the world… conversations will never run dry.

3. Meeting New People and Cultures
   You will meet people from different cultures, and while working with them, you will realize that despite cultural differences, you share much in common. International trade is a shared language across borders.

4. Financial Opportunities
   You will earn well—and create wealth for others. As classical foreign trade theories suggest, international trade increases the welfare of all parties involved, which contributes to happiness. For example, by exporting products from a struggling firm, you may help put food on hundreds of families’ tables.

5. Relevance and Importance in Turkey
   Since 1980, Turkey has pursued export-driven economic growth. As our Republic approaches its centennial, exports have never been as critical as they are today. International trade will make you an important professional in this context.

6. Technical and Specialized Knowledge
   International trade is a highly technical field, requiring an analytical mindset comparable to an engineer’s in certain areas. Choosing this technical field as a student from the equal-weighted score type is challenging. Graduating from the International Trade Department gives you a professional career—a real profession, and as the old saying goes, a “golden bracelet.”

7. Global Opportunities
   You can work anywhere in the world. If bored, change the country; if extremely bored, change the continent.

8. Dynamic and Exciting Profession
   International trade is inherently dynamic, requiring both office and fieldwork. This movement and action will reflect in your professional life, making your career lively and engaging.

9. Remote Work Friendly
   Post-pandemic, remote work is perfectly suited for international trade professionals. You don’t have to go to an office—you can work from home as your own boss.

10. High Professional Satisfaction
    International trade specialists can see the results of their operational improvements quickly and clearly. This direct cause-and-effect feedback enhances professional satisfaction, making it one of the few professions where tangible results are observable. At the end of the day, you will be happy—and if you are not happy, what is the point of your work?

Ten Considerations When Choosing an International Trade Program

1. Academic Staff: Check the department’s faculty. Do they have industry connections? Do any have sector experience? Are faculty members providing consultancy to businesses?

2. English Preparation: Is there an English preparatory program? Studying international trade without English proficiency is meaningless.

3. Internship Opportunities: Does the department guide students toward internships? Are the skills learned applied practically or only theoretically?

4. City and Industry Context: Is the city industrialized? Does it rank among Turkey’s top export cities? How does the city’s industry, production capacity, and export volume affect the program?

5. Student Clubs: Are there student clubs? Does the department support them? Can students develop skills like risk management, crisis handling, and teamwork through club activities?

6. Exchange Programs: Can students participate in Erasmus, Work and Travel, Camp USA, or similar programs? How many students are able to join these opportunities?

7. Graduate Employment: Are graduates quickly employed? Do companies seek graduates, or do graduates search for jobs?

8. Industry Exposure: Does the department organize technical trips to introduce students to the business world?

9. Social Activities: Are extracurricular activities sufficient? Are diverse and high-quality events offered?

10. Faculty Accessibility: Are faculty members approachable? Do they hold office hours? Can students receive academic guidance during these meetings?

Prof. Dr. Sinan Esen