Voices from Us: Samet Özkan – The Power of Continuous Learning and Sharing

Success in any job is not limited to simply completing tasks; it is achieved through learning, developing, and contributing to those around us. For more than four years at Hasçelik, Samet Özkan has embraced this approach, quickly taking on responsibilities as an operator and adding value to his team.

In this interview, you will get to know more closely Samet Özkan’s sources of motivation, his understanding of personal development, and his devotion to family.

“The Time I Spend with My Family Is My Most Precious Moment”

– Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I am Samet Özkan, 37 years old, originally from Sinop. I have been working as an operator at Hasçelik’s cold processing center for over four years. I am married and have two children, ages 4 and 7.

I dedicate most of my free time to my family; spending time and socializing with them brings me the greatest happiness. I can say that taking care of my children is at the center of my life. I am also a Fenerbahçe supporter; whenever I get the chance, I try to follow my team.

“Every New Machine Is a New Field of Learning for Me”

– What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?

I came to Hasçelik from a completely different sector. At first, this industry was entirely new to me; however, I adapted quickly and became a machine operator within 3–4 months. Since then, I have continued to improve myself.

I love my job because it gives me continuous opportunities to learn. Sharing what I learn with my colleagues and contributing to their development gives me great joy. Rather than sticking to just one machine, I prefer to learn about and experience different machines.

After working on the same machine for four years, I transitioned to another one as needed, adapting without any problems. This process of change and learning motivates me and strengthens my connection to my work.

“My Greatest Source of Motivation Is My Family and My Teammates”

– What motivates you the most when you come to work?

My greatest source of motivation is my family. Fighting for them strengthens my sense of responsibility. This mindset also reflects in my dedication to work; for example, I make sure not to be absent from work. Constantly striving to improve myself is another factor that motivates me.

In addition, my teammates are also an important part of my motivation. I currently have a team working with me on the machine. The good communication we have makes our work easier and our environment more enjoyable. Just as my motivation matters, the morale of my teammates is equally important. By maintaining strong communication, we strive to make both each other and our work more efficient.

“The Key to Everything: Patience and Learning Step by Step”

– What advice would you give to a friend who is just starting their first job?

I would first recommend that newcomers learn the system step by step. It is not possible to grasp everything at once; development requires time, patience, and steady progress. I also went through the same path, and by advancing step by step, I reached where I am today.

Although my progress was relatively fast, I care about sharing my experiences with new colleagues. This way, I can help them take more solid steps and reach a certain level.

“Achieving Success in a Short Time Is My Greatest Pride”

– What is the moment you felt happiest?

Training personnel to operate machines in production usually takes a long time. However, after joining Hasçelik, I became a machine operator in just four months. At that time, both our production manager and our factory general manager specifically emphasized this achievement. Their trust in me and granting me this responsibility by saying, “One of our new colleagues became an operator in a very short time”, was a proud moment for me.

Now I work on a different machine, and once again, I started without any issues. That first experience remains in my mind as both a source of motivation and happiness.

“The Discipline I Learned from My Family Is the Foundation of My Work Life”

– Have you ever applied a piece of advice from your family to your work life?

One of the most valuable guides in my work life has been the understanding of consistency and discipline I learned from my family. Coming to work regularly and fulfilling responsibilities are among the essential steps toward success. By applying these principles, I make sure to love my job and perform it in the best way possible.

“My Message for the Future: May They Always Have Health, Happiness, and Success”

– If you were to send a message to your family years from now, what would it be?

I am fully aware that I have responsibilities for my family, and that is why I work. My motivation to provide them with a better future is the most valuable proof of this. May their health, happiness, and success always remain.