Meet Demet

What is your educational and professional background?

I graduated from Istanbul Technical University in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Management Engineering. I have always been passionate about international business. To expand my global perspective, I learned Chinese and spent a year in China on a scholarship. After graduation, I worked in international sales and marketing for Türkiye’s leading corporate companies in home appliances and cosmetics, managing markets across Europe and Asia. Last year, I interned in International Business Development at Uminova Innovation. Currently, I work part-time at a Swedish medtech company, focusing on international marketing and sales development.

Demet Sertoglu Tertemiz

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Why did you choose to enroll in your degree programme at USBE?

I wanted to further expand my knowledge of international business after five years of work experience. I researched master’s programmes and found USBE’s Business Development and Internationalisation programme to be a perfect fit. The programme content, which includes strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, and international business, caught my interest, and that’s why I decided to study here.

What do you like most about your programme?

I love how interactive it is! It's not just about reading articles and doing presentations. We do role-playing, work on case studies with real companies, join innovation boot camp, and run simulations to manage businesses. This approach helps me improve my skills and broaden my perspectives.

The international student mix is another highlight. We learn from each other's perspectives and cultures through group work. We also have expert guest lecturers who bring real-world insights, which has been very helpful for understanding the Swedish business environment. Through one of these guest lecturers, I even found my internship in Umeå!

What is the most interesting thing you learnt in your programme so far?

The programme’s focus on current trends and challenges, along with the research we conducted, helped me gain valuable knowledge. It showed me how businesses can be profitable while still prioritizing the environment and society. It also reminded me of the importance of creating value for society—something I had overlooked in the fast-paced world of corporate life.

What is your impression of Umeå and the surrounding area?

Coming from a coastal city in Türkiye and living in a big city like Istanbul, I had many concerns before moving to Umeå—the cold weather, long winters, darkness, and adjusting to a smaller city (especially after Istanbul!). But after two years here, I can say those worries were unnecessary. Umeå turned out to be much more international than I expected, with a diverse community and a lively atmosphere thanks to the university. There is a fun and vibrant student life, making it easy to meet people and engage in various activities.

Umeå is also surrounded by stunning nature, with forests, rivers, and lakes perfect for walks and relaxation. You can experience amazing things like the northern lights and polar stratospheric clouds (Google it!). Even in winter, there’s so much to do—skiing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and even ice bathing! It’s a completely different but unique experience, especially for those coming from outside Sweden.

What would you say or what advice would you give to a student thinking of applying to this master programme?

Make sure to read the course content carefully. If it interests you, don’t hesitate to apply! Take advantage of the opportunity to connect with professors and join the International Buddy Programme to make new friends from all over the world.

The second semester offers the option to do an internship instead of taking two courses. It's a way to gain practical experience in areas that interest you.

If you get a IKSU membership, you can play beach volleyball and swim when it's snowing outside! You can join many group classes and maintain your energy in winter.

What are your career aspirations?

My goal is to work in business development internationally, focusing on sustainable practices and innovative technologies. I would like to contribute to creating positive outcomes for businesses, the environment and society by helping organizations embrace sustainable and innovative solutions.