Polytech graduates from Turkey are ready to start working at Akkuyu NPP

Master's students who will start working at Turkey's first nuclear power plant "Akkuyu" in September have just graduated from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechic University.

Master's students who will start working at Turkey's first nuclear power plant "Akkuyu" in September have just graduated from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechic University. In 2019, 24 Turkish students came to SPbPU, where they studied at the Institute of Energy at " Power Plant Engineering " and " Electrical  Engineering" international master programs and at the same time studied Russian language. All of this in order to become in-demand specialists at the nuclear power plant in Mersin province.

Akkuyu nuclear power plant construction project is a collaboration of Turkish Republic and Russian Federation. On March 10, 2021 the Presidents of the countries launched the construction of the third power unit, and on June 1 the installation of unit 1 reactor pressure vessel was completed, which has become one of the key stages of the construction. The future nuclear power plant will consist of four power units with reactors of total capacity of 4,800 Megawatts, which is sufficient to fully supply such a huge megalopolis as Istanbul, inhabited by more than 15 million people.

Turkish graduates shared their impressions of their time in SPbPU.

Elif Başak Günay:

My career goals have always been to complete my master degree education and also, it was one of my ideals to do my part as a Turkish citizen to reduce Turkey's external dependence on energy . I chose Polytechnic University, one of the best countries and universities in this regard .

My long-term future plans include completing my doctorate. At the same time, my career at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, the first and only nuclear power plant in Turkey, by advancing with the knowledge and experience I have gained here, Turkey's future , especially in sustainable and clean energy issues, has a small share and development, leaving a better future for our tomorrows.

During my 2 years at Polytechnic University, the most beautiful memories that remained in my mind were along with the friendships that I created. I have made many beautiful friends in every corner of the city where I have accumulated great memories together, shared everything together ,and lived together in difficulties and joys .

My favorite lessons were from Yuriy Murashow. He helped me a lot in my master's thesis and guided me. From his knowledge and experience, I have learned many things that I can use in my future working life.

Seray Kupcuoglu:

I originally chose to attend Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University because it fits in perfectly with my career aims and the collaboration of the university with Akkuyu where I started working after graduation was important to me. During the time I've spent there, I've been lucky enough to have access to the knowledge and experience of the professors and international facilities offered by Polytech.

Polytech gave me one of the most important people in my life! What else could Polytech do?

Also, it was absolutely a privilege walking around its historic corridors and watching magnificent concerts at White Hall. I think I will never forget that feeling!

I think the writing thesis part was my favorite. Because it was the last stop before graduation and doorstep between an academic career and getting a start in business. Also studying with Mr. Titkov taught me a lot. He guided me and even in the darkest time he gave me courage!

Since I’m new to this industry, I hope to gain valuable insight and experience that will help me in the future. I plan to build on the skills I learn in this job and develop a clear picture of where I see myself professionally over several years working with the company.

Pakize Çiğal:

I've always wanted to experience study abroad in a big city in a big country. After graduating from my university in Turkey, I searched Master’s degree programs in different countries and heard about this program. The Russian Federation was already a country I wanted to see and live in for a while, when I  found out the university is in St. Petersburg ı decided to apply.

I can not forget the day I first entered the main building , I was fascinated by both the interior and exterior architecture of the building.  My graduation photos taken in the main building look amazing.

My favorite subject is the education system here, a course has just an exam, and the system encourages learning, not memorizing. But I never liked going to classes on cold winter days, as someone who came from Antalya, this situation was my least favorite.

I will start working at the first nuclear power plant in Turkey, I want to be an engineer in a high position here , and then maybe I will return to Russia, who knows?

Tugce Kurt:

My intention has always been to learn new, advance my engineering skills and broaden my international understanding. I believed that Polytechnic University could help me achieve my goals. I am also very excited to be a part of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin, Turkey upon graduation.

I will never forget our professors and their lectures, pleasant works with my friends in university library, and excellent concerts in the White Hall. And also, I will never forget the fascinating view of the main building  and the sound of classical music playing. There is one more thing that I will always remember - smiling faces of lecturers and friends as I was giving a “thank you” speech  after the results of our master thesis defense were announced.

My long-term academic and professional goals are applying for the doctorate program and being able to speak Russian fluently. As well, in the future, I would like to be in a management position in my department at Akkuyu NPP. In a nutshell, I want to be a competent engineer that my family and my country will be proud of.

Prepared by SPbPU International Services in cooperation with IE Media Group