My Story:

Hazal Tirpan, 29, has been part of the Nestle Purina team for six years, however her journey with the company started many years before.

As a third-year university student at Ankara University, Hazal felt quite distant from the industry and its developments. It was here her path first crossed with Purina. Hazal said: “When Purina came to my university, I was very impressed by the professionalism of the speakers, their approaches to vet students and the quality of the products they talked about. After that day, I thought I need to be a part of the team”.

The programme available for students, launched in 2018 has now reached over 7,000 students and 14 faculties. Offering CV preparation events, graduation sponsorships and summer internship opportunities, the programme has everything to offer for a budding veterinary practitioner similar to Hazal.

When she graduated, Hazal reflects on the whirlwind of emotions she felt. “I had so many questions in my mind, but I had one purpose, I was a qualified veterinarian, and I could be a part of the Purina team,” she said.

Hazal’s dream was made a reality when she applied for a role and was successful. As her first role, six years on, Hazal reflects on the fulfilling opportunities she has had the chance to experience.

She said: “I was able to take on more opportunities, including my master's degree in animal nutrition and nutritional diseases. With this degree, I am able to make professional contributions to cat and dog health and nutrition. Also, this sense of trust grew even stronger, and I started to feel a real sense of belonging to the company.”

For Hazal, being part of Purina provides a sense of belonging. “We are a big family,” she said, grateful for the opportunities and support she has received along her journey.