Illinois MBA student Omer Ozgozukara of Turkey completed an internship at Scotia Capital in Chicago this past summer where he worked as an Associate in the diversified industries group. According to Omer, “Just through the core curriculum, Illinois prepared me for this internship, and this year I anticipate learning even more through my finance electives.”

In regard to the Illinois MBA, Omer states, “I came here to grow, and that is exactly what happened. The Illinois MBA offers the very best aspects of a U.S. education: world-class professors and a strong curriculum that always provide an intellectual challenge.”

Omer believes the Illinois MBA is unique because it teaches you about leadership in class and encourages you to practice it outside the classroom. Omer’s greatest leadership experience resulted from his involvement with Illinois Business Consulting. Omer had the opportunity to work with a leading insurance company to analyze the alignment of IT and business systems and present the findings of the project to business executives. It was a business experience he says he will guide all his future work.

It was this leadership role that prepared him for his internship last summer and will now assist him as he begins his search for a full-time position. By using networking contacts, EASE online recruiting, and attending career fairs, Omer hopes to find a full-time position within principal investing and move toward a career in private equity.

He looks forward to completing his MBA in the spring, and states, “I'm very proud to be associated with the Illinois brand for the rest of my career.”