The Central Black Sea Career Fair (OKAF) 2026, organized under the motto "The Age of Youth Production (GÜÇ)" in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (İŞKUR) and hosted by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMÜ), has started in Samsun. 

One of the stakeholder universities at the fair, Kastamonu University, which is among the most comprehensive career organizations in the region, shared career opportunities for its students and graduates with the participants. 

The fair, held on April 8-9, 2026, began with high participation in the Ondokuz Mayıs University Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sports Sciences halls and the Atatürk Congress and Cultural Center.

In addition to our university, Amasya University, Çankırı Karatekin University, Hitit University, Ordu University, Samsun University, Sinop University, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University, and Yozgat Bozok University also participated in the organization. 

The fair, which brings together public institutions, private-sector representatives, businesses, and universities, aims to increase employment opportunities for young people, enable them to make direct contact with industry representatives, and support their career planning.  

Within the scope of the fair, students and graduates have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the human resources representatives of companies, receive direct information about job and internship opportunities, participate in interview simulations, and gain insights into entrepreneurship and the processes of starting their own businesses. Additionally, career talks, panels, and personal development events also meet with participants. The organization offers companies the opportunity to directly communicate with young talents, conduct interviews with qualified candidates, promote their corporate image to a wide audience, and develop collaborations between academia and industry. 

The opening program of the fair began with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem. Then, Nahide Saygün Akkal, a Turkish Folk Music artist from the Ankara State of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, took the stage. 

In the opening speeches, the first to speak was Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, the Rector of Ondokuz Mayıs University. Pointing out that the business world now prefers not only individuals with diplomas but also those who can think analytically, solve problems, work in teams, and possess ethical values, Prof. Dr. Aydın emphasized that the fundamental responsibility of universities is to raise generations that can adapt to change, create added value, and accurately read the future. 

Prof. Dr. Aydın, noting that educational programs are continuously updated to meet industry needs in line with this vision, stated that bringing students into contact with the dynamics of business life through applied education models, research centers, technoparks, and industry collaborations is among the primary goals. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Aydın also touched upon the importance of the fair, stating that every connection made would pave the way for new investments and collaborations, and thanked all the institutions and stakeholders who contributed to the organization. Addressing the students as well, Prof. Dr. Aydın emphasized that determination and effort are decisive on the path to success, inviting the youth to work diligently.

After Prof. Dr. Aydın, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security Faruk Özçelik spoke at the program, stating that increasing employment and strengthening the position of young people in the labor market were among the primary goals. Stating that the aim is to equip young people with the skills to adapt to the changing labor market within the framework of the National Employment Strategy, Özçelik said the goal is to better prepare young people for working life through education and support programs.

Taking the floor last, Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı expressed his satisfaction with hosting the fair in his speech, stating that Samsun has become an important center of attraction, showing development in many areas, from education to industry, from trade to tourism. Governor Tavlı stated that Samsun is advancing in line with Türkiye's vision to become the production center of the north. 

The Opening Ceremony concluded with the cutting of the opening ribbon, followed by the presentation of plaques commemorating the day and a group photo session. 

Our university also participated in the Central Black Sea Career Fair by setting up a booth and offering events such as job/internship opportunities, interview simulations, workshops/case studies, career talks, institution presentations, and employer career chats. 

Participants visiting our University's stand in the exhibition area were provided with information about our University's activities by our assigned academic and administrative staff. Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, also visited the university and company booths set up in the exhibition area to gather information about their work.