May 2020

Serkan Baykusoglu is sitting in a chair outside and smiles at the camera

Serkan Baykusoglu

Learning Technology and Research 2008

1. Tell us about yourself.

I am a multilingual researcher and an educationist, as well as teacher of English and maths by profession. I have had a very distinguished career in various fields, including teaching, immigration law, marketing, project and communication coordination, administration, mentoring, interpreting and translation, and finally in accounting and finance for over 25 years. I am currently working as a Finance Manager for a global construction company in central London. I have studied more than 150 courses at over 115 educational institutions, either through blended or online learning in a number of countries including Turkey, England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Belgium, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands, Hungary, Norway, Uganda and in Finland. I am an author of five international publications, and I have presented eight research papers at international conferences for the University of Cambridge, Regent’s University London and at Swansea University. I am currently pursuing a PhD research degree in education, following the completion of an MA in Adult Learning and Global Change and an MA in Educational Management.

2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?

My fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University was my graduation day, when my name was called, and I was presented with my degree certificate at the awards ceremony.  

3. What has been your favourite job? 

My favourite job has been teaching, but due to the economic recession of 2008, I had to change my profession from teaching to finance, in which I have now worked for over ten years. 

4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?

Encouraging.

5. How did your time at ARU help you? 

Being at ARU helped to broaden my learning and research skills, which later opened new avenues for learning. 

6. What did you love about your chosen course? 

I studied through online learning, so for me, the flexibility and the way it fit into my daily life well.

7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate? 

I started everything from scratch as a non-native speaker of English around 20 years ago, when I arrived in the UK as a young adult. Soon after, I joined Harrow College where I found myself studying a number of courses in English to overcome the language barrier and work towards my learning goals and career aims. I developed great skills in English with support from my lovely tutors within two years, and then I was awarded an ESOL Award for Achievement in 2002. I have always been passionate about learning, and have continued to try something new, continuing to learn in any circumstances. My advice to all young learners would be that you should never give up. Value the knowledge and skills you learn, as these are powerful tools when combined. Every bit of knowledge is related to a different piece of knowledge so when you learn something new, it will bring you closer to something waiting to be discovered. You will be amazed at how you can broaden your vision and abilities.

8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?

I wish I had known more about the learning opportunities available to me at ARU.

9. Who was the biggest influence on your career? 

The Prophet Muhammad was the biggest influence on my career; the first word revealed to him from Allah, the God, was 'Ikra' meaning to read! To seek knowledge! Educate yourself! Be educated! I have always felt that knowledge is obligatory for every human being, the Knowledge of Truth and Wisdom.

10. What advice would you give your younger self? 

Focus on your learning; always aim higher; never give up when you face obstacles which will eventually make you much stronger as you will definitely overcome these at the end.

11. Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know. 

I did not like reading books when I was child as it seemed boring to me. I wish I had realised how important reading was at an early age.

12. What's next? 

I will go wherever life takes me. I like this quote the most: 'No matter where life takes you, when one door closes, another one opens, and God works in incredible mysterious ways. Never give up'.