ARDA İHTİMAN İLERİ
Ann Arbor,MI
Summary
Dynamic finance leader with a proven track record at Fonksiyon Architecture, excelling in budget management and strategic planning. Co-President of UAA Debate Club, I spearheaded initiatives that secured $5,000+ in sponsorships and achieved national accolades. Passionate about curriculum development, I co-founded EconoFem, delivering impactful economics education to over 140 students.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-President & Finance Director
UAA Debate Club
Istanbul, Turkey
09.2021 - 06.2026
- Managed club finances, overseeing $5,000+ annual sponsorship portfolio; negotiated corporate partnerships and administered budget for school's first hosted tournament achieving full cost recovery.
- Lead the executive team of a 35+ member organization, setting club strategy, training curriculum, and the annual tournament calendar for one of the school's largest student organizations.
- Participated in 30+ national, regional, and international tournaments, securing 2 national championships and 8 regional finalist placements.
Finance & Resource Management Intern
Fonksiyon Architecture
Istanbul, Turkey
06.2025 - 09.2025
- Managed invoicing, expense tracking, and payment scheduling for financial operations at architecture and urban-planning firm, ensuring timely and accurate financial processes.
- Assisted in monthly budget planning and cost-allocation analysis for active projects, enhancing understanding of resource-allocation decisions on project profitability.
- Assisted in project management tasks for architectural design initiatives.
- Coordinated team meetings and documented key discussions and decisions.
- Monitored project timelines and ensured adherence to schedules.
Research Scholar
Lumiere Research Program
01.2025 - 08.2025
- Completed eight-month independent research project under mentorship of University of Cambridge PhD researcher.
Authored 6,000-word paper analyzing root causes of youth underemployment in Turkey, reviewing over 20 academic sources and TÜIK labor market data.
Formulated policy recommendations utilizing EU and OECD frameworks, earning top marks for analytical rigor and clarity.
Co-Founder & Curriculum Director
EconoFem
Istanbul, Turkey
01.2024 - 02.2025
- Co-founded and led a 5-week volunteer economics education initiative to fill gap in formal economics instruction for Turkish secondary schools.
- Designed tiered curriculum for diverse age groups and delivered lessons to 140+ participants, receiving highest feedback ratings in program history.
- Founded and developed EconoFem’s vision and mission for financial empowerment.
- Managed daily operations to ensure seamless service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to enhance community outreach programs.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Economics
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor01-2030
IB Diploma -
Uskudar American Academy
Istanbul, Turkey06-2026
Summer Student - Economics & Finance
Bocconi University
Milan, Italy07-2024
Skills
- Budget management
- Financial analysis
- Strategic planning
- Program development
- Data visualization
- Team leadership
Languages
English (fluent), Turkish (native), French (B2, France Éducation International certified)
Additional Awards
1st Place, SOMMET Entrepreneurship Competition; 2nd Place, U Solve It Entrepreneurship Competition; MEB Certificate of Merit for High Honor Roll (3 consecutive years)
Timeline
Finance & Resource Management Intern
Fonksiyon Architecture
06.2025 - 09.2025
Research Scholar
Lumiere Research Program
01.2025 - 08.2025
Co-Founder & Curriculum Director
EconoFem
01.2024 - 02.2025
Co-President & Finance Director
UAA Debate Club
09.2021 - 06.2026
Bachelor of Science - Economics
University of Michigan
IB Diploma -
Uskudar American Academy
Summer Student - Economics & Finance
Bocconi University