Bozok Yucel

Bozok graduated from Aberystwyth University in 2010 with a MSc (Econ) in Terrorism and International Relations.  Bozok now acts as Aber's unofficial ambassador in Turkey and he is willing to assist any Aber alumnus with locating and/or doing business there.  Contact him at turkey@alumni.aber.ac.uk

What do you remember most about your time at Aber?

I had always wanted to study in the UK because I always believed that Britain offered the best education in the world.  Before I decided to apply to Aberystwyth University, I spoke to some of my friends who were already studying in London and finding it crowded and stressful.   As I had lived in a city for more than 20 years, I wanted to spend sometime in the countryside but I also wanted a university that was old, rooted in tradition and which excelled in politics; I wanted to study international relations with a focus on terrorism.   I found that Aberystwyth was exactly what I was looking for.  I spent a fantastic year at Aber, met so many wonderful people, made so many good friends, learnt so much from renowned academics, namely; Dr Jeroen Gunning, Alastair Finlan, Ayla Gol and Gerry Hughes, to all of whom I shall be eternally grateful for teaching me how to think.  No matter how old I get, I will never forget my friends, the squirrels on the top of trees in PJM, the wonderfully friendly local people, great lectures in the legendary Old College and the ghost of Sir Ellis Griffiths beside me in the exams .

What are you doing now career-wise and how has your Aberystwyth degree helped?

After completing my degree I was employed by the Turkish Armed Forces for a year where my degree in Terrorism Studies was very useful.  Now I am hoping to work with a marketing company in London and if successful, I shall move there for several years.  The fact that I studied in Aberystwyth allowed me to get a job in the Turkish Armed Forces as soon as I graduated.  I feel very proud to be an ‘old Aberystwythian’.

What advice would you have for a student doing your course now?

No matter what you want to study, choose Aberystwyth because the university deserves every sort of compliment for its excellent academic and social opportunities.  Study hard during the week, party hard at the weekend; make the most out of your student life in Aber because there will be a day when you leave and this beautiful Welsh university becomes a sweet memory.