TechGirls Committee operating under the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, initiated an exemplary internship program with Asbank, aiming to support equality of opportunity in the field of Information Technology and, to strengthen women’s representation in the field. Within the scope of the program, innovative projects developed by the students were introduced to the audience during an event organized at the General Directorate Building of Asbank.
The internship program, launched between EMU and Asbank in 2025 for female students under the lead of EMU TehcGirls Committee, is still in effect within the framework of the collaboration protocol signed in 2026.
Student Developed Projects in Real-World Professional Environment
Under the leadership of Asbank Information Technologies Director Belgan Koral, the internship program provided students with the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the operations of the Information Technologies Unit as well as various processes within the institution. Throughout the program, students received information on a range of topics, including corporate communication, business ethics, professional conduct, the responsibilities of the Information Technologies Unit, and various aspects of professional life.
During the internship, students applied the knowledge and experience they had gained to projects developed through teamwork. They carried out projects in contemporary areas of technology and application, including artificial intelligence-based applications, robotic process automation (RPA), React-based application development, and children’s banking. Selected with due consideration for gender equality, the interns worked collaboratively in a real-world professional environment to develop joint solutions and presented their projects to a delegation comprising representatives from Asbank and EMU.
Project presentation sessions were also attended by Asbank General Director Çağatay Karip, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Assistant Director of Asbank Kafiye Sefer, Asbank Information Technologies Director Belgan Koral, Asbank Human Resources and Coordination Unit Director Emrah Ekinci and, EMU TechGirl Committee members Prof. Dr. Nazife Dimililer, Dr. Yeşim Kapsıl Çırak and Senior Instructor Halide Sarıçizmeli.
Future of Banking in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Discussed
As part of the program, Asbank General Director Çağatay Karip briefed the students on recent developments in the banking sector and the future of banking in the age of artificial intelligence. Addressing the transformation brought about by artificial intelligence and digital technologies in the banking sector, Karip also shared his views on the future direction of the industry with the students.
EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe highlighted the impact of rapid technological transformation on higher education and the business world. Stating that knowledge and skills related to current and emerging technologies are incorporated into curricula across EMU, Prof. Dr. Karatepe noted that the University aims to equip its students with the knowledge and competencies required by an ever-evolving technological landscape upon graduation.
Prof. Dr. Karatepe underscored the significant role of university-industry collaboration in supporting students’ professional development, familiarizing them with real-world working environments, and equipping them with competencies aligned with the needs of the business world. He further emphasized that providing students with opportunities to engage with industry representatives and work on real-world projects throughout their studies helps establish a strong link between the knowledge acquired at university and its practical application in industry.
Contribution to Women’s Representation in Technology
The collaboration between the EMU TechGirls Committee and Asbank serves as an important example of an initiative that not only enables female students to gain professional experience in the field of information technology but also supports their stronger representation in the technology sector.
In a statement issued by the EMU TechGirls Committee, the following remarks were made: “The information technology sector continues to face a pronounced gender imbalance, which becomes increasingly evident as one moves from entry-level positions towards managerial roles. In a field where women remain significantly underrepresented, it is essential for both the sector and society to evolve in order to increase female representation and establish sustainable equality of opportunity. It is equally important that this transformation be supported through university-industry collaboration. Developed with this vision in mind, the collaboration between the EMU TechGirls Committee and Asbank represents an important example of an initiative that not only provides female students with opportunities to gain professional experience in information technology but also supports their stronger participation and representation in the technology sector.”
In his remarks at the end of the event, Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe highlighted the valuable knowledge and experience students had gained through the internship program and emphasized the importance of investing in their education and professional development. Prof. Dr. Karatepe thanked Asbank General Director Çağatay Karip and Asbank representatives for their contributions to providing students with opportunities to gain experience in a real-world working environment and further develop their skills in the field of technology. He then presented a plaque to Asbank General Director Çağatay Karip in recognition of his contributions and support.
EMU and Asbank Had Signed a Cooperation Protocol
The collaboration initiated in 2025 under the leadership of the EMU TechGirls Committee was formalized in 2026 with the signing of a cooperation protocol between EMU and Asbank. The protocol was signed by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Asbank General Director Çağatay Karip.
Within the scope of the protocol, female students were provided with internship opportunities at Asbank, enabling them to apply the theoretical knowledge and skills acquired at university in a real-world working environment and gain experience in the information technology sector. The collaboration also contributed to strengthening the representation of women, particularly in the field of information technology, promoting gender equality in the sector, and fostering inclusive working environments.