Conversations with Turkey's Career Pioneers – Murat Salim Esenli

Second guest of this week’s Conversations with Career Pioneers was Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Murat Salim Esenli. Mr Esenli expressed his contentment of being present at the premises of TED years after his graduation and began his conversation with a quotation from Confucius: “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Then Mr Esenli went on explaining how he shaped his own career.

Answering the questions of the students Mr Esenli explained the reasons that led him to diplomacy, the details of this profession and the career opportunities at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He stressed both the positive and negative aspects of diplomacy. He mentioned the structural changes the ministry has gone through and explained that it is now possible to apply for a position at the ministry for those with a master’s degree in International Relations regardless of their undergraduate fields. Mr Esenli also listed the career possibilities for graduates of International Relations faculties such as international companies or embassies.

Mr Esenli emphasized the importance of the Erasmus programme and advised the students to soundly study issues concerning the European Union. He underlined the importance of undergraduate education and mentioned that it will be of use in the future regardless of student’s career preferences. Mr Esenli recommended the students to balance well their emotions and logic and to be open minded. He said that those who wish to be diplomats should always be patient, attentive and above all bias-free. Mr Esenli concluded the conversation by sharing his e-mail address with the students.