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Typical Week
I start work at 9:00 am by reading the news from all the local Turkish press and one British broadsheet which we have a subscription with. Then I deal with queries that have been sent to our consulate via post as well as reviewing decisions made the previous day regarding visa applications. The remaining period is spent on activities as explained above. My workday may finish late according to my workload
On many occasions we have meetings with people who have asked to visit us at the Embassy.
At weekends, I endeavor to participate in activities organized by our community here in the UK. The remaining short period is the very period that is left for myself.
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My Background
Having completed my International Relations Degree in 1998 from Middle Eastern Technical University I applied and secured a job at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in December 1998. After being sent to Republic of Turkey Dushanbe (Tajikistan) Embassy in 2002, I am now serving as Vice-Consul at the UK Turkish Consulate. I've been in this position since November 2004.
Responsibilities
The Turkish Consulate offers its services to both the Turkish nationals as well as to nationals of other countries living in the UK. Some of our responsibilities include; passport services (extension, renewal etc), military guidance/advice service, memorial legal proceedings, registration related services (marriage, divorce, birth etc), representative services (public notary) and citizenship services.
We also envisage and encourage the sense of togetherness between Turkish clubs and societies in UK as well as encouraging new ones. Protecting our citizens and encouraging activities and events in their benefit is one of our main missions.
We try and provide business and legal consultancy services to our citizens as much as we can with our available resources.
The Consulate General for the Republic of Turkey in London head of Mission is General Consulate Ambassador Mr. Sanli Topcuoglu. The services mentioned above are carried out by the pre-approval of the Consulate General.
My Work Environment and Training
Our Embassy consists of 26 personnel including Consulate General Ambassador Topcuoglu as General Consulate, 2 Vice-Consuls and a Work and Social Affairs Attaché.
The working atmosphere is very dynamic as our responsibilities at the consulate cover a wide spectrum of areas.
We benefit the most from this dynamic atmosphere both in terms of personal and professionals development as we have to keep ourselves in line with constantly changing current affairs and UK legislations.
While trying to solve our citizens many different problems - we are subject to much information about the Turkish community and living standards in the UK.
Out of our regular daily working schedule, we must also be readily prepared for the obstacles that our citizens and foreign nationals are faced with while traveling or returning from Turkey. This also creates much dynamism for our work place.
Worst Bits
I am very happy with and I enjoy my job. I believe the first rule of success is to like what you are doing. It is vital that those that are in a position with significant responsibilities for a large community, to love their jobs.
Best Bits
First of all, to serve the Turkish community is source of delight for us. When we are able to solve the problems of our citizens, it makes us feel very pleased and honored.
From the nature of our job, we are continuously in contact with our citizens as well as other nationals. This adds richness to our work.
To work in a metropolitan and an important capital of the world, is another reason why I enjoy my job.
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