Mehmet Akalın has a MSc in Entrepreneurship and Management from the University of Sussex and work experience founding startups in Turkey. He is currently the founder and manager of Yollasana, an online shipping marketplace in Turkey, where he develops strategy, motivates team members, and promotes the product. His career also includes experience in marketing, sales, and business management roles in Turkey, Japan, and Qatar.

1. Mehmet Akalın
Tel: +905056333357 Email: akalinmehmet90@gmail.com
ma700@sussex.ac.uk
PROFILE
Graduated from Entrepreneurship and Management MSc at the University of Sussex, U.K.
Have work experience in small business, startup, international company based in Turkey and
also global sales trainee in Japan, Qatar and Dubai. Effective and self-motivated team member
,marketer and solution oriented business development due to past experiences.
EDUCATION
2014-2015 University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
MSc in Management and Entrepreneurship
Graduated: September 2015
Dissertation Topic: (Distinction grade)
“Factors constraining global Internet start-ups in Turkey;
The role of Technology Incubators, Financial Funding and Education”.
Key Modules included:
-Design Thinking -Information System Management
-Perspectives in Entrepreneurship -Accounting for Decision Makers
& Small Business -Entrepreneurial Finance
2008-2013 Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
B.A. in Management
Sabanci School of Management
Graduated: June 2013
2012 Spring Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Erasmus Exchange Program
2004-2008 Kolej Vakfı, Gaziantep, Turkey
EXPERIENCE
2015 Founder , Yollasana , Istanbul, Turkey
Yollasana is designed as an online shipping marketplace operating in Turkey. Yollasana is an early
stage startup which will be launched in June 2015. Following idea generation ,the team is constructed
of a designer ,an engineer and a manager(myself). Since the product is a customer oriented website,
I primarly work developing the website by adding innovative features. Yollasana is currently supported
by Sabancı University Incubator center “Sucool”.
As a Founder ,
-I develop strategy and vision for growing business.
-Motivate team members and time manage projects.
-Product promotion for over 2000 prospective logistics clients.
-Improve business relation with University representatives and potential investors.
2014 Co-Founder and Business Manager, Harika Kids Academy , Gaziantep ,Turkey
June 2013- August 2014
-Regular communication with prospective customers to promote the business.
-Responsible for the performance, profit and loss, compliance, people management and
communication in small business environment.
-Encouraging and maintain a positive working environment by leading 20 employees.
-Utilize strong communication and problem solving skills to effectively resolve customer concerns.
-Budgetary control of 100 accounts with an accountant.
-Manage montly activities with PR, press and marketing communications agencies.
-Marketing business to increase popularity among target consumers.
-Developing excellence through innovative & creative concepts across all media

2. -Developing SEO using Google Adwords , creating content for web site.
-Digital/social media management using Facebook Advertisements.
2013 Marketing Assistant, Kraft Foods International, Istanbul, Turkey
August 2012-March 2013
-Working with the marketing team in the Candy department consisting of 7 brands.
-Created a marketing report for the marketing team which is updated monthly and shared with
the whole candy department.
-Coordinating various organization agencies for events sponsored by the organizational
brand departments.
-Managing the social media pages of Jelibon including drafting and editing text to be posted on-
line. Devising and conducting online promotion activities.
-Responsible for supporting the marketing team on monthly budget tracking.
2012 Marubeni Cooperation Sales Internship, Tokyo, Japan
June 2012- August 2012
Marubeni Cooperation as one of the largest general trading companies in Japan introduced its
investments in Qatar, Dubai and Japan. Researched different industries like energy,
transportation and machinery in different countries. Modeled possible scenarios for the
company’s financial and Industrial future working with sales and marketing research team.
Project has finished with presentation of possible investment models for Turkish market.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACTIVITIES
2014 University of Sussex, Secret City Guide Project
Finding job for homeless people as a city guide within city of Brighton and Hove
aiming to reconnect them into life again.
2009 Sabanci University, Civic Involement Project (CIP)
Education to younger children, who are under privileged to help their creativity
and to provide them wider vision.
2009 Sabanci University “SunDay”
An organization that hosts 3,000 children, disabled and elderly in Sabanci
University for them to spend a cheerful day.
2007 Assistant Coach at Şehitkamil Belediye Sport Club
Kids Basketball Team
Shared past experiences and knowledge with the kids for preparing and directing
the trainings.
SKILLS
Computational:
Microsoft Office Word, PowerPoint, Excel
Languages:
Turkish Native
English Full professional proficiency
ACTIVITIES
2014-2015 University of Sussex Entrepreneurship Program Student Representative
2012-2013 Erasmus Student Network Vrije Amsterdam Member
Erasmus Student Network Sabancı Exchange Student Buddy
2009 – 2012 Sabanci University Economic and Management Club
Active Member
2009 – 2012 Youth Entrepreneurships Club
Active Member
2009 – 2012 “Tea Talks with CEOs” Club
Organizational Team Member
2000 – 2008 Professional Basketball Player
2000 – 2005 Chess Player
Awards
2012 Sabanci University “Change maker Student”
References: Available upon request.