Career Center

Gönül Akay -Psychology & Child Development and Education

Name Surname
Gönül Akay
Graduation Year
2021
Graduated Department
Psychology & Child Development and Education
Graduated Faculty
Faculty of Health Sciences & Physical Therapy and Rehabilition

My journey to Istinye University started in 2017 with the Child Development Department. Then, a year later, in 2018, I started to study Psychology with the Double Major Program. While I graduated from the Department of Child Development with the first place in the department in 2021, I received my graduation from the Department of Psychology in 2022 with the title of high honor student. After that I started master’s degree my last year, I did my internship at Medical Park Pendik hospital. As soon as I graduated from the department, I joined the MLPCARE Health group. I am currently working in the General Directorate of Medical Park and Liv Hospital Hospitals.

My Advices;

My adventure, which I started with the motto "Istinyeli improves, the world changes", has turned into a structure that develops, changes, transforms me, and constructs a new me.  One of the principles I learned the most during my Istinyeli years was to always work for the better and to believe that the product I worked for would contribute to my environment. No matter what job, project, education, course, activity you do, if you believe in it and focus on doing your best, it will come to you in the best way. While reading, there was an “I” who was never satisfied with less and was constantly thinking about what I could do more. I had the opportunity to work with very valuable professors from both departments that I studied. With the information I learned from them, I was able to look at the world with a different eye every day. In my first year, I attended international congresses and had the opportunity to present our scientific study statement on behalf of Istinye University. I had the opportunity to meet many university students and educators in Turkey. In the following years, I prepared and presented scientific studies at national and international congresses every year. At the same time, I was actively involved in student clubs for four years. I was involved in many projects such as developing social responsibility projects, building a library for a primary school in Kahramanmaraş, donating books, taking part in a child welfare institution in Çanakkale, and cooperation with the Ministry of Family and Social Services. One of the biggest advantages of taking part in the club was that what you could do as a student could benefit both you and the society. I took it as my duty. My inclusion in the MLPCARE Health Group right now was actually a result of my devoted work at Istinye University. Throughout my education life, I have never said that when I graduate, I will be like this, I will be like that… But I always asked myself, “How can I best end this day, how can I take every step I take deeply?”  Implementing the answers to all of my questions allowed me to be in Turkey's largest healthcare group as soon as I graduated. My advice to the people of Istinye; End your day in a way that will contribute to society, technology, and your life, use all the opportunities offered to you at school.  Do a Double Major or Minor, join clubs and expand your network, benefit from the support of our teachers, produce and implement projects, do voluntary internships as well as compulsory internships. In my student life, I was trying to contribute to the field by doing volunteer internships in different units, and I had the opportunity to interact with very valuable teachers in the early period. This experience allowed me to look from different perspectives. In short, I learned the following in my student life; Life draws a path for you, it is your effort that waters that path and makes flowers bloom. I think Istinye also offers opportunities that make us bloom on this road. 

Not everyone can do everything, but you can do everything in your path. J

What should I do?

  • You must have 21st century skills (critical thinking, cooperation, communication, creativity)
  • You have to believe that you can do more,
  • You have to find areas where you can realize yourself,
  • You must be open to innovations,
  • You should expand your network,
  • You should see your potential,
  • You must explore,
  • You must wonder,
  • You must be open to research,
  • You should use your time efficiently,
  • You must have ideals,
  • Let it be your actions that will leave a mark inlife.

What I should’nt do?

  • You shouldn't be afraid to try,
  • You should not avoid questioning,
  • Don't let negative thoughts affect you,
  • I shouldn't say "I can't",
  • You shouldn't be afraid to try,
  • You shouldn't let your thoughts and feelings get unchecked.