Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) and ALBANK Ltd. have signed an internship collaboration protocol aimed at supporting the professional development of female students studying in the fields of information technology and related disciplines. The protocol was signed by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and ALBANK Ltd. Board Member and General Manager Şükrü Can. Under the protocol, the parties aim to contribute to the development of a qualified workforce in the field of information technology while encouraging women to take a more active role in the technology sector.
Present during the signing session were EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu, Dean of Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences Prof. Dr. Ahmet Rizaner and, EMU TechGirls Executive Board Members Prof. Dr. Nazife Dimililer, Dr. Yeşim Kapsıl Çırak and Dr. Özlem Görkan Evre.
“The Aim Is to Encourage Greater Participation of Female Students in Technology”
In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated that collaborations between universities and industry make a significant contribution to the development of young people, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and technology. Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that the main objective of the project is to encourage greater participation of young people, especially female students, in technology-related fields, emphasizing that university–industry collaboration plays a strategic role in the digital transformation process. He also stated that such projects contribute directly to both education and employment, adding that the success stories to emerge from the project will serve as a strong source of motivation for future generations.
“A Valuable Initiative for Both Institutions and the National Economy”
In his address, ALBANK Ltd. Board Member and General Manager Şükrü Can highlighted that the banking sector is becoming increasingly integrated with digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and software technologies. Pointing out that financial transactions are now carried out largely through digital channels, Can stated that the need for qualified professionals in software and technology has grown accordingly. He emphasized that partnerships with universities play an important role in addressing this need, adding that bringing young people into the sector through productive projects is a valuable asset for both institutions and the national economy.
“It Will Create a Significant Transformation in the Long Term”
EMU Vice Rector for Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu noted that the number of female students in the fields of information systems and information technologies remains low on a global scale. Underscoring the importance of raising awareness from an early age in order to encourage greater interest in these fields, Prof. Dr. Zorlu stated that role model initiatives introduced at the high school level should be expanded to reach wider audiences. She further noted that enabling women to take on more visible and active roles in the technology sector is possible through sustainable support mechanisms, adding that projects of this kind will bring about a significant transformation in the long term.
“Directly Enhances the Quality of Education”
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Rizaner, Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, stated that the Faculty places great importance on collaborations with industry, noting that providing students with opportunities to reinforce their theoretical knowledge through practical experience directly enhances the quality of education. Prof. Dr. Rizaner emphasized that projects of this kind help shape students’ career planning while preparing them to enter the sector as better-equipped professionals.
“A Defining Factor in Career Development”
Prof. Dr. Nazife Dimililer, Board Member of EMU TechGirl, stated that internships and hands-on experience play a critical role in ensuring the long-term participation of female students in the technology sector. Noting that actively involving students in project development processes increases their motivation, Prof. Dr. Dimililer emphasized that university–industry collaborations are a defining factor in young people’s career development. She added that such programs serve not only as a starting point for students but also as a powerful tool for career guidance.
In line with the signed protocol, female students studying in relevant departments at EMU, particularly Information Systems, Software Engineering, Information Security, and Management Information Systems, will have the opportunity to participate in an information technology-focused internship program at ALBANK. The program, which will be carried out as part of the compulsory summer internship requirement, will last 40 working days. The internships will be conducted in fields such as software development, data analysis, cybersecurity, information technology support services, and business analysis.
Under the protocol, ALBANK will undertake to host four female interns during each internship period. The Bank will also be responsible for assigning tasks that support the interns’ professional development and for providing a suitable working environment. EMU, meanwhile, will assume responsibility for confirming the interns’ academic eligibility, completing the required insurance procedures, and carrying out the academic supervision of the internship process.
The collaboration will the coordinated by the TechGirls Committee operating under the EMU. The committee will be responsible for organizing the application and evaluation processes, facilitating communication between the students and the Bank, and contributing to the effective implementation of the internship process.
The protocol further provides for the organization of training sessions and activities designed to support students’ development in leadership, institutional communication, and teamwork, alongside their technical knowledge and skills. Upon completion of the program, students will present their internship experiences, and those who successfully complete the program are expected to receive certificates.
The one-year protocol reflects the parties’ shared commitment to establishing a sustainable collaboration model that will help increase the participation of female students in the field of technology.