The workforce of Turkish folk dance department graduates

The Department of Turkish Folk Dances is dedicated to preserving and promoting our cultural heritage through education. Students in this department receive a variety of theoretical and practical courses throughout their studies, graduating with diverse qualifications. However, there appear to be some shortcomings concerning the employment of Turkish Folk Dances graduates. Therefore, it is intended to address these issues through academic studies and contribute to their resolution. It is understood that debates regarding whether Turkish folk dances constitute a profession also influence the employment challenges faced by graduates. The purpose of this study is to analyze graduates' participation in the workforce, the difficulties they encounter in employment processes, and the alignment of education programs with market demands. Additionally, the study aims to understand graduates' experiences in the professional world and assess the current state of the field. The research employs a literature review method and conducts semi-structured interviews with 14 volunteers who have graduated from conservatories' Turkish Folk Dances departments and found employment in the labor market. The first part of the study addresses the general definition, emergence, classification, and career development processes of professions. The second part examines the structural and educational elements of the Turkish Folk Dances department, detailing the program content, teaching methods, and employment opportunities. The third part analyzes the Turkish Folk Dances sector and the workforce profile of the department's graduates. This thesis aims to develop recommendations for improving the workforce participation and employment of Turkish Folk Dances graduates. It also identifies mismatches between the deficiencies in the graduates' education programs and the demands of the job market, offering solutions to address these gaps.