"University education is becoming more important in the digital world"

Mehmet Yakın, Associate Professor of Communication at Istanbul Arel University, emphasized that universities not only equip individuals with professional skills but also provide them with the intellectual equipment to adapt to a changing world. "Public relations and advertising education, in particular, enables students to become socially responsible individuals," Yakın said. "Students who study in this field develop not only brand and campaign management skills but also knowledge-based, ethical, and socially compatible communication skills." Today, public relations and advertising departments equip their students with comprehensive knowledge in areas such as media, advertising, digital marketing, crisis management, and corporate communications. Concepts such as media and advertising literacy, in particular, are now seen as critical skills not only for communication professionals but for all members of society. In this regard, Assoc. Professor Yakın stated that the systematic education offered by universities will make a difference:

"Students learn at university how news is produced, how to distinguish true from false information, and how advertising has the power to direct. This knowledge transforms them from passive viewers into active communicators," Yakin said. "This transformation presents a significant opportunity, especially for public relations and advertising students. Today, institutions are not content with simply promoting; they also want to convey messages of sensitivity, trust, and responsibility to the public. This makes the role of communications professionals more strategic. A public relations specialist can guide the public in times of crisis. An advertiser can raise social awareness through ideas. Studying these fields isn't just a profession; it also gives them the power to drive change," Yakin said, emphasizing the social dimension of the field.

On the other hand, while digitalization makes education accessible to everyone, it cannot replace basic academic infrastructure. Online courses and digital certificates gain value when built upon a university education. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yakın made the following assessment on this subject: "Institutions like Google and Harvard offer highly qualified digital programs. However, to make the most of these programs, a solid university education is essential. Multifaceted fields like public relations and advertising require a deep perspective, not superficial knowledge." The Public Relations and Advertising Department, part of Istanbul Arel University's Faculty of Communication, aims to prepare its students for the real world by combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. Through interviews with industry experts, campaign design projects, fieldwork in collaboration with institutions, Erasmus abroad, and internship opportunities in Istanbul, the hub of the communications sector, students don't just listen to lectures; they directly put what they learn into practice.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yakın said, "The Public Relations and Advertising department enables individuals to better understand the world, reach people more effectively, and produce projects that will drive change."

UAV

Reporter: News Center