Thunderbird at ASU grad came for global network, leaves with clear path forward

Tan Tanriyar came to Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University with the mindset that the best ideas are shaped by the people around you.

Growing up in Turkey, Tanriyar was drawn early to the kind of education that does not stop at borders. When evaluating universities, he was looking for something specific. He wanted international opportunities, a dual degree program, and an environment where different perspectives were expected and appreciated. Istanbul Bilgi University's partnership with Arizona State University pointed him toward Thunderbird School of Global Management, and he has not looked back since.

At Thunderbird, Tanriyar found exactly the environment he was looking for. He built friendships with peers and senior students from across the globe, engaged in cross-cultural conversations that challenged his thinking, and learned from professors who brought both academic rigor and real-world insight into the classroom.

A turning point came through Associate Professor Sophal Ear's course on global management, where Tanriyar began to see how deeply politics, international relations, and economics shape the future of organizations and leaders.

"His insights helped me better understand how international relations, politics, and economics shape the future of organizations and leaders," he said. "His perspective encouraged me to think more critically about designing my own future and career path in a global context."

That critical thinking is now pointed in a clear direction. After completing his Bachelor of Global Management at Thunderbird, Tanriyar has ambitions to build a career in international B2B sales and to ultimately reach a global sales manager role in the automotive industry.

Outside the classroom, Tanriyar recharges in ways that keep him grounded, pursuing free diving, fishing, playing piano and spending time in nature. He sees balance between focused work and intentional rest as central to how he operates and grows.

"What motivates me is achieving success during periods when I am fully focused," he said, "and then being able to step back and truly enjoy and appreciate the results."

He leaves Thunderbird with a stronger global network, a sharper sense of direction, and the kind of perspective that only comes from learning alongside people who see the world differently than you do.

Below, he shares more of his Thunderbird journey.

Question: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at Thunderbird?

Answer: Sophal Ear taught me one of the most important lessons during my time at Thunderbird through the TGM 353 course. His insights about the political environment and its impact on global business helped me better understand how international relations, politics and economics shape the future of organizations and leaders.

Beyond academics, he is a truly supportive and inspiring person who always communicates openly and makes himself easily accessible to students whenever they need guidance or advice. Even after graduation, I know he will continue to support and inspire his students, which shows how deeply he cares about their personal and professional development. His perspective encouraged me to think more critically about designing my own future and career path in a global context.

Q: What advice would you give to a student just starting a program at Thunderbird?

A: My advice to a student just starting a program at Thunderbird is to go with the flow and stay open-minded, as it is a very friendly and supportive environment. I would strongly recommend connecting with alumni and current students to better understand the different dimensions of the program and to take full advantage of the networking opportunities.

Being active in student clubs is also very important for personal and professional growth. Additionally, I would suggest starting to think gradually about your plans after graduation, without rushing the process, and focusing on finding a path and career that you truly enjoy and feel happy in.

Q: What motivates or inspires you?

A: What motivates and inspires me is achieving success during periods when I am fully focused on work and study and then being able to step back and truly enjoy and appreciate the results of my efforts in my free time. I value having a healthy balance between working hard to reach my goals and taking time to relax and recharge. I find peace and inspiration in free diving, swimming, fishing, and spending time in nature. I also enjoy playing the piano, which helps me reset, reflect and stay motivated for my next goals.