The Career Days programme at Ankara University’s Faculty of Applied Sciences brought together academics, public-sector representatives, industry professionals and students to discuss the transformation of the real estate sector and new career opportunities.
Speaking at the Career Days organised by Ankara University’s Department of Real Estate Development and Management, real estate professional and RE/MAX Tower Broker Hasan Ceran said the industry is no longer focused solely on buying and selling. “The traditional property brokerage model is coming to an end. In the new era, the sector will be led by professionals who can interpret data, use technology and think strategically,” he said.
The programme, held at Ankara University’s Faculty of Applied Sciences, brought academia and industry together. Participants included Ankara University Vice Rector and Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences Prof. Dr. Harun Tanrıvermiş, as well as numerous academics, public-sector representatives, industry professionals and students.
Prof. Dr. Yeşim Tanrıvermiş, Vice Chair of Ankara University’s Department of Real Estate Development and Management and a member of the programme’s academic coordination team, said the Career Days offered students an important opportunity to establish direct contact with the sector. She noted that university–industry cooperation is expected to become even stronger in the coming period.
The organisation also brought students together with Cihat Demiralp, Vice President of the Vocational Qualifications Authority; Hakan Ufuk, Secretary General of the Association of Appraisal Experts of Türkiye; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emek Barış Kepenek, Secretary General of TOGED; representatives of the Ankara Development Agency; valuation companies; organised industrial zone executives; and specialists from public institutions.
One of the programme’s notable sessions was Hasan Ceran’s presentation titled “Entrepreneurship and Strategic Vision in the Real Estate Sector.”
“Today, we do not simply sell real estate; we produce data-driven financial decisions”
Drawing attention to the concept of “Real Estate 5.0,” Ceran said old habits in the industry are rapidly being left behind. “There was a time when simply showing a portfolio was enough. Today, we can interpret the future of a region through demographic data, transportation projects, investment trends and AI-assisted analysis. We no longer simply sell real estate; we produce data-driven financial decisions,” he said.
“Türkiye’s biggest gap is qualified human capital”
Ceran said commercial real estate is undergoing a major transformation, with organised industrial zones, logistics centres, energy investments and mixed-use developments becoming some of the key dynamics of the new era.
Emphasising the need for educated and visionary professionals, he added: “The industry is no longer looking only for people who can sell. It needs professionals who can understand the economy, adapt to technology, think financially and communicate effectively. This creates a significant career opportunity for university students.”
A message to young people: “Do not rely on your diploma alone”
Ceran also offered career advice to students, stressing that university education alone is not enough and that continuous development is essential.
“Competition today is won not only through knowledge, but through the ability to adapt quickly to change. Young people who can use artificial intelligence, understand the digital world and continuously improve themselves will become the industry’s game changers within a few years.”
“In real estate, systems are now competing”
Ceran also discussed the ecosystem model they have developed, noting that real estate is becoming increasingly integrated with media, finance and technology.
He said real estate can no longer be viewed simply as an office-based activity; information platforms, investment systems, educational infrastructure and digital solutions are becoming decisive components of the industry.
“Around the world, it is no longer only consultants who compete; systems compete. Organisations with strong data infrastructure, effective use of technology and a clear financial vision are moving ahead.”
Academia and industry meet at the same table
During the two-day Career Days programme, students had the opportunity to engage directly with public institutions, valuation organisations, representatives of the financial sector, organised industrial zone executives and private-sector professionals.
At the end of the programme, students asked Hasan Ceran questions about the transformation of the industry, artificial intelligence applications, career opportunities and next-generation working models.
Academics participating in the event also highlighted the importance of university–industry cooperation and emphasised that supporting students with practical field experience will be increasingly important in the new era.