Arda Akgül
Economics & BA Student at TED University
Contact
- 📍 Ankara, Türkiye
- 📧 ardakgul4@gmail.com
Education
TED University Bachelor of Science | Economics · (2022 - 2027)
TED University Bachelor of Science | Business Administration and Management · (2024 - 2027)
Certifications
- McKinsey Forward Program
Summary
I’m an enthusiastic and analytical economics student at TED University, currently serving as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at TED University Trade Research Center (TEDUTRC) in Ankara. I work alongside faculty and fellow students on trade, economics, and policy research, contributing to projects that examine critical economic issues and their societal impacts. My research contributions span diverse areas including economic distress effects on birth outcomes, post-earthquake economic recovery in affected regions, trade policy, sustainability, climate change adaptation, and international finance.
As a sophomore studying Economics, I actively engage in academic discourse through podcast hosting, having co-hosted segments on the FieldTalks x TEDU ERU podcast where I interviewed prominent economists like Dr. Günnur Ege Bilgin and Prof. Altuğ Yalçıntaş on topics such as game theory, decision-making, market design, and the economics of artificial intelligence. I blend academic rigor with practical communication skills, making complex economic concepts accessible to broader audiences.
My research interests extend beyond traditional economics to encompass emerging technologies and their economic implications. I’m particularly fascinated by international economics, trade, cryptography, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and the intersection of technology with economic systems. Through my dual focus in Economics and Business Administration, I aim to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, contributing to meaningful economic research while developing strategic insights for policy and business development.
Experience
TED University Sustainable Trade Research Center (TEDUsTRC)
Undergraduate Research Assistant | October 2024 - Present (11 months)
Ankara, Türkiye
- Assisting in data collection, analysis, and report preparation for academic publications and policy recommendations
Monarch Castle Technologies
Monarch Castle Technologies
Founder | July 2025 - Present (2 months)
- Working through the data analysis and data prediction projects
TEDU Economics Research Union
Member of Supervisory Board | March 2025 - Present (6 months)
Ankara, Türkiye
- Member of the Supervisory Board of the Economic Research Union, where former Central Bank Governor and academic Prof. Dr. Erdem Başçı is the advisor
- Contributed to the academic and design team of ERUMAG, enhancing the quality of economic discourse
- Co-hosted two engaging podcasts for discussions on contemporary economic issues and attracting a diverse audience
Member of Academic Committee | March 2025 - Present (6 months)
Ankara, Türkiye
- Authored and edited well-researched articles on economic, sustainability, and policy topics for TEDU Economics Research Union’s magazine, ERUMAG
- Ensured academic compliance by integrating reliable references and adhering to rigorous citation standards
- Coordinated with the editorial team to streamline the publication process, resulting in timely and high-quality content
RadioTEDU
Editor & Broadcast Coordinator | August 2024 - Present (1 year 1 month)
Ankara, Türkiye
- Oversee editorial processes and production schedules for radio broadcasts, ensuring content accuracy and engaging delivery
- First time publishing podcasts in RadioTEDU’s functional span since 2012
- Coordinate with hosts, editors, and technical teams to produce programs, including thematic podcasts and university’s media projects
- Co-host segments on the FieldTalks x TEDU ERU podcast, conducting interviews with prominent economists including Dr. Günnur Ege Bilgin and Prof. Altuğ Yalçıntaş
- Facilitate discussions on advanced economic topics such as game theory, decision-making, market design, and the economics of artificial intelligence
- Manage production of podcasts including “Geçmişin Güncesi,” “In&Out with Professor Yalman,” “GreenTalks,” “FieldTalks,” and “Voice of Culture”
Radio Show Host | October 2022 - July 2024 (1 year 10 months)
Ankara, Türkiye
- Co-host of the weekly radio program “Young Voices of Literature” with a three person team
- Engage audiences by discussing world literature and Turkish literature
- Introduce books and authors to listeners, talking about a deeper appreciation for literature
- Contribute to content planning, ensuring each episode is engaging and informative
Uluslararası Diplomatik İlişkiler ve Akademik Araştırmalar Derneği-UDİAD
Assistant Researcher | July 2024 - Present (1 year 2 months)
- Conducting research and analysis on topics related to international relations, diplomacy, and security
- Authored several articles published by UDİAD (International Diplomatic Relations Academic Research and Education Association), covering subjects such as energy policies, cybersecurity, regional alliances, and diplomacy
DenizBank
Intern | July 2025 - July 2025 (1 month)
Etimesgut, Ankara, Türkiye
Anadolu Tarih ve Kültür Birliği Derneği
Vice President | April 2024 - July 2025 (1 year 4 months)
Board Member | September 2023 - May 2024 (9 months)
Ankara, Türkiye
- I have been substitute member of the board as well as dealing with social media contents of the association since September 2023
Chairman of the Supervisory Board | March 2023 - September 2023 (7 months)
Ankara, Türkiye
- Union of Anatolian History and Culture is a unit of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, but when it became a separate association as well as relying on ministry, I had been the chairman of its supervisory board
BLUESENSE
Business Development Intern | March 2025 - June 2025 (4 months)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Developed a comprehensive 5-year cash flow strategy to the startup’s R&D intensive roadmap, incorporating revenue projections, cost structure, and growth scenarios
- Supporting early-stage investment planning and capital allocation
- Drafted and negotiated supplier agreements in alignment with both Canadian trade laws and the Turkish Commercial Code, ensuring legal compliance and operational flexibility in cross-border procurement
- Led legal structuring for bilingual (EN/TR) agreements and supplier onboarding processes covering KYC, data privacy, and quality assurance
- Collaborated closely with the Canadian team to align financial planning with North American regulatory requirements and supplier logistics to the platform
UnlimiTED Student Society
Board Member | October 2024 - June 2025 (9 months)
Ankara, Türkiye
- Actively contributing to student society which aims at addressing challenges faced by disabled people
- Utilizing leadership position to implement benefits
- Collaborating with team members to execute projects promoting accessibility
Chairman of the Supervisory Board | April 2023 - October 2024 (1 year 7 months)
- Co-founded the UnlimiTED Student Society to work on and address the needs of disabled people
- Organized a campus-wide conference with Ali Ulusoy, President of the “Engelsiz ve Mutlu Yaşam Derneği” (Association of a Happy Life Without Disability), to raise awareness
- Strong partnerships with external organizations to enhance the university’s accessibility efforts
- Making sure that society activities ensure alignment with our mission of promoting a barrier-free environment
EUROPolitika
Author | September 2023 - October 2024 (1 year 2 months)
- Writing in-depth analyses and translate articles on topics including European politics, international relations, and global economic issues
- Contributing to EUROPolitika by delivering insightful papers that engage readers and provide comprehensive perspectives on foreign issues
AIESEC Türkiye
Alumni | December 2023 - Current
- As AIESEC alumni, I have ability to participate in board elections as well as traditional parties and celebrations of AIESEC in Ankara.
Outgoing Global Teacher Consideration M. Manager | September 2023 - December 2023 (4 months)
Ankara, Türkiye
- As Outgoing Teacher Consideration M. Manager, I have worked for 3 months, between September - December 2023
- As consideration middle manager responsibilities were:
- Getting the first contact with people who want to go to abroad as teacher intern
- Considering details
- Adjusting project starting date
- Having international meeting with “IR Partners” of AIESEC in Ankara
- Adjusting contract as legality financial matter
- Providing support to exchange partners before the process
- Between September-December quarter, 5 exchange partners’ process were ready as they were approved. Approximately 60% of exchange partners of 23.24 were approved in September - December quarter
Outgoing Global Talent Team Member | June 2023 - September 2023 (4 months)
Ankara, Türkiye
- Supported global talent exchange effort of AIESEC by assisting candidates with the application and process
- Utilized CRM tools and Sheets to maintain accurate records and pipeline of operations
Outgoing Global Volunteer Team Member | March 2023 - June 2023 (4 months)
Ankara, Türkiye
- Engaged with individuals interested in global volunteering opportunities, providing guidance and support throughout their application process
- Collaborated with team members to promote cultural exchange