The Career Paths of the BETA Era symposium, organized by the Istanbul Technical University Student Development and Career Academy, was held yesterday in Nicosia. The Cyprus Foundations Administration sponsored this important event, which aims to contribute to the career development of young people.

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer, General Director of the Cyprus Foundations Administration, thanked ITU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, ITU TRNC Rector Prof. Dr. Burçkin Dal, and Mithat Tekçam and Ekrem Toklucu, Education Counselors at the Turkish Embassy in Nicosia, for their contributions to the event.

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tümer continued his speech, offering important messages on the new skills required by the BETA era, the individual-centered approach of the foundation civilization, and the values ​​that can guide young people's career paths. In his speech, Tümer addressed the BETA era from various perspectives and expressed the following:

“I am deeply honored to be present at the opening of this high-quality scientific event on behalf of the Cyprus Foundations Administration. The “Career Path of the BETA Era” symposium, organized by the Istanbul Technical University Student Development and Career Academy, is extremely valuable in understanding the dynamics of the evolving global system and providing a scientific basis for the career orientations of young individuals.

Today’s “BETA Era” presents a new global paradigm shaped by Uncertainty, Volatility, Turbulence, and Complexity. This paradigm removes career development from one-dimensional professional definitions and necessitates multidisciplinary competencies such as digital literacy, ethical awareness, cultural flexibility, sustainability, and innovation.

At this point, the historical legacy of foundation institutions offers us a guiding perspective. For centuries, the foundation civilization has built a human development ecosystem that prioritizes individual development, centers social benefit, and promotes knowledge.

This is precisely where Rumi’s advice comes in. It speaks volumes to us today:

"Yesterday is gone, my dear; today we must say new things."

This saying emphasizes the importance of keeping pace with the dynamism of the age, of constant renewal, and of being open to change.

Prof. Dr. Tümer also included examples from the history of foundations in his speech, citing structures such as the Nizamiye Madrasah Foundation, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Foundation, and the Haseki Hürrem Sultan Foundation as historical models supporting scientific development. He also recalled the contributions of the Lala Mustafa Pasha Foundation, the Şeyhülharem Ebubekir Efendi Foundations, and the Mevlevi Tekke Foundation, among the foundation heritage of Cyprus, to the education and cultural development of young people.

Continuing his speech, Tümer addressed the youth, drawing on Rumi's words, and offered the following insights:

“Dear students,

In the face of the complexities of the BETA era, Rumi's words can guide your career journey:

‘The path becomes visible if you walk.’

This statement emphasizes the importance of determination, courage, and taking action during times of uncertainty.

In this context, you can center your career orientation on three fundamental principles:

• Continuous learning and the production of knowledge,

• A sense of social responsibility,

• Ethical and sustainable decision-making.

Another piece of advice from Rumi complements these principles:

‘Whatever you seek, seek within yourself; for everything is hidden within you.’

This demonstrates that discovering your inner potential is at the heart of career development.”

The Cyprus Foundations Administration respectfully announces to the public that it will continue to support activities that contribute to the education and development of young people.