Konuralp Yener

Integrated Logistics Support Engineer at Aselsan

Tell us about your current job. Describe what you do on a typical day. 

I work as an Integrated Logistics Support Engineer. I respond to network, system and security issues for the customers my company serves.

What were the best things about your course? 

Thanks to weekly homework and projects, we had the opportunity to practice a lot in addition to the theoretical knowledge we learned. While many universities have four courses per semester, UoB has three. This allowed me to focus better on my studies and use my time outside of school more efficiently.

How do you feel your degree helped you get a job after graduation?

Cybersecurity is an essential aspect of our age and is of critical importance. Having a Master's degree from a university ranked among the world's top 100 universities allowed me to interview at almost every company I applied to. After graduation, I felt like I was in a position to choose jobs and companies.

What skills from your degree do you think you use most in your current job?

I realized that cybersecurity isn't just about security, it also requires knowledge of networking, software, databases and more. Any IT job involves many of these areas. Technical skills aside, my degree has been most helpful in learning how to approach and solve problems.

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham? Did you need to take additional training on top of your degree?    

After graduation, I worked for a year and a half in a job I didn't like because I had to. After that, I started working at one of the most prestigious and valuable companies in my country. While a Master's degree invaluably enhanced my technical skills, acquiring industry-specific knowledge required additional training. Of course I took, and continue to take, courses to enhance my technical knowledge. Self-improvement is essential in my field, and as long as you can improve yourself, you can achieve success.

What advice would you give to current and prospective students looking to work in your sector?

You will never be able to master every field in cybersecurity, and a continuous process of training and self-improvement must be your main objective. Don't be afraid to share your knowledge, but not your work.

What would you recommend students should do at university, over and above their academic study, to make them more employable in the graduate market?

Socialize. UoB has countless student clubs. University life isn't just about studying; participating in student clubs and activities can be the easiest way to make time for yourself. Careers fairs are held several times a year. Through these fairs, you can meet with employers and learn about the requirements of the job you're interested in. These fairs can even help you find a part-time job and even give you a leg up on many other applicants once you graduate.

What are your fondest memories of the University and what would you say to anyone currently considering studying at Birmingham?

I can say that reserving a private room in the library and working on weekly homework with my study group was a great way to do it. Furthermore, the University parties have created unforgettable memories and friendships. UoB truly has a relaxed and free atmosphere, and you won't regret coming.

What were your favourite things about Birmingham the city? How did it compare to your expectations?

It was a great pleasure to leave the dormitory and walk along the canal to the centre or to get up and run in the morning. It is very close to other major cities and you can take day trips to most places.

What extracurricular activities did you get involved in as a student?

The University's Wayfarers Hiking Society offers great opportunities. It allowed me to go places with friends that I might not have been able to go to alone, and it allowed me to see amazing scenery. Also, I still remember the taste of the pizza from the parties organized by the Computer Science Society.

Please tell us about your experience studying and living away from home.

It increases problem-solving skills beyond education. Learning the system of a completely unfamiliar place, getting used to it, and building a life from scratch is a powerful experience.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

It is one of the top 100 universities in the world, and my department is in the top 10 in the UK. It also offers a wide range of sports and social opportunities.