Selcuk, who majored in literature, wrote about life in rhyming couplets and free verse. However, his path changed when he got a job in the travel industry. Although there were adventures, the industry was also full of difficulties, and eventually Selcuk quit to seek a new beginning, and perhaps even find poetic justice.
Selcuk grew up in Istanbul, Turkey, where he spent 24 years. He earned a degree in French literature in college and dreamed of a future filled with poetry. But life had other plans for him. While in college, he worked as a welcome greeter at the airport, helping guests to their hotels. This role was the beginning of an unexpected foray into the travel industry.
His knack and dedication to treating visitors well soon led to a change in responsibilities, and he moved into an operational role at the same company in Istanbul. A year later, his career took a major turn when he relocated to Dubai in late 2010 to meet the company's growing needs. A promising job opportunity arose in Spain in 2013, but the company went bankrupt shortly thereafter, forcing him to return to Dubai. In 2016, Selcuk took a bold step by returning to Spain and co-founding a business with two of his colleagues. But the business ended when his partner kicked him out of the company.
This series of unfortunate events was a difficult time for Seljuk and left him angry and upset. Determined to rebuild from scratch, he took out a loan in 2018 and set up his own company in Barcelona. Unfortunately, the pandemic that began in 2020 took a serious toll on his business. Despite waiting six months and trying online tours, Selcuk pulled it all off. He decided it was time to return to his roots in Turkey, reconsider his career path and vow to never work in tourism again.
What happened after you returned to Türkiye?
For six months, I barely left my room.
Eventually, a close friend came to me and said, 'Look, you studied French literature. You started your own company. From scratch. You moved to Dubai, Spain, Latvia, and many other countries, and you were successful in each country. No one knew that a pandemic was coming. Even the biggest companies were affected. So, it's not your fault, just look at what you've done so far. You'll do better in the near future.'
I told myself that I had overcome many difficult situations. It was time to recover and learn something new. So I started learning mobile app development and ended up working on a Google project.
So during those difficult times you were able to learn new skills. and Get a job at Google.
Yes, I am proud of it. It was a one-time project. They were looking for someone who spoke English and understood the project. There were too many applicants. During the interview, I told my story and said I didn't expect to earn money. I wanted to gain experience and participate in the project. I said that even if they hired someone else, I would help that person for free.
They told me I wasn't qualified for the job, but there were six months left before the project started, and they offered me a free course to help me prepare for the role. I would then take the exam. So I studied for another six months, passed, and got the job. It was only two months, but they were really happy with me and asked me to stay on as a mentor for new students.
What prompted you to speak so openly and honestly in interviews?
I've always been like that. Even at Intrepid. I was really honest during the interview. I said, “I don't want to work in tourism. I don't even know why I applied for this job.”
After leaving the travel industry, Why did you apply to Intrepid?
Intrepid looked at my application and asked me to come in for an interview and they needed the right job. I was honest. I explained that I wasn't sure if I could stay for long but I wanted to give it a try. After completing Intrepid Leader Training, I felt a renewed passion for tourism. I felt passionate again.
What was it about that experience that rekindled your passion?
I've been in the industry for 15 years, and before I started training as a leader, I thought, 'What can they teach me?' I realized that there are a lot of things I don't know. I am impressed by Intrepid's ethical values and focus on misconduct, health and safety, and policy. I wanted to learn more. The last time I felt this kind of fire was when I was starting my own business in Barcelona after my partner kicked me out of the company and I wanted to fight for myself.
After several setbacks in the travel industry, what has it been like returning to the industry?
There is more joy. I try to learn new things, and when I'm in a new destination, I say this is a good place to travel. Before working at Intrepid, I would look at good places, but I wouldn't dig deeper. Working at Intrepid has allowed me to experience more of my surroundings.
A good friend shows up to help you when you need it. What do you think about that experience now?
I tell myself that everyone goes through dark moments. Of course, but I can still find a way to solve or get out of the situation. Steve Jobs gave a speech at a university and said that life is about connecting the dots backwards.
In my case, I wouldn't have started my own company if my partner hadn't kicked me out. If the pandemic hadn't happened, I wouldn't have come to Türkiye and started from scratch. I wouldn't have renewed my mind if I hadn't studied app development.
If I hadn't gone to the interview with Intrepid, I wouldn't have realized that I still have a passion for the travel industry. At the moment, I don't realize that the experience will lead to another connection, but looking back, I can make that connection, and that makes me happy.
Travel through Turkey with Intrepid and visit the homeland of the Seljuks.