Alper Akdemir

Profile

I am a human resources professional and researcher with expertise in employment services, labour market policies, and innovative project leadership. In 2024, I graduated with distinction from the University of Leeds, earning a master’s degree in Human Resource Management through the prestigious Jean Monnet Scholarship.

During my studies, I actively contributed to the academic community as the 2023–2024 Course Representative for the MA HRM programme. I also enhanced my leadership skills as a Project Manager in the Leeds Virtual Industry Programme and became an Associate Member of the CIPD, further aligning my academic interests with professional practice.

Following my master’s degree, I was honoured to receive the LUBS PhD Excellence Scholarship (Department of People, Work and Employment) as the top-ranked applicant. My doctoral research, “Deploying AI in Quasi-Marketised Employment Services: Exploring Opportunities and Challenges,” bridges academic inquiry and practical experience in labour market policy and service delivery.

Prior to my academic journey in the UK, I built a distinguished career in public employment services at the Turkish Employment Agency. Beginning as an Assistant Employment Expert, I advanced through several key positions, including Employment Expert, Project Coordinator, General Manager Advisor, and Assistant Head of Department. This professional background continues to inform and enrich my research perspective.

Key Achievements:
• Designed and implemented impactful policies to align labour supply and demand,
• Developed critical legislation for private employment and temporary work agencies,
• Led transformative projects, including an AI-Based Job Matching System and Virtual Employment Fairs, supported by international organisations,
• Represented Türkiye on global platforms as a panellist and speaker, highlighting its labour market innovations.

Research interests

During my tenure, I played a crucial role in developing policies for temporary agency work and private recruitment agencies. Additionally, I led my team in coordinating and implementing projects such as AI-Based Job Matching System and Virtual Employment Fairs, funded by international organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. I have frequently taken on international roles, showcasing best practices and ongoing labour market initiatives.

I am dedicated to leveraging technology and collaborative strategies to enhance employment services and promote more inclusive and equitable labour market policies. Building on my master’s thesis at the University of Leeds, which highlighted the underutilisation of technology in employment services, I place great importance on beginning my PhD research to address this gap and provide evidence-based recommendations.

I welcome opportunities to connect with researchers and professionals focused on the digital transformation of employment services, public policy, and fostering meaningful societal outcomes.

Qualifications

• LUBS Excellence Scholarship Award - University of Leeds PhD Candidate, Department of PWE (2025-2029)
• Jean Monnet Scholarship Award - University of Leeds MA HRM, Distinction Award (2024)
• Employment Expert & Project Coordinator in the Civil Service (2014-2023)
• TODAIE, MSc Public Administration, Distinction Award (2017)
• Expertise Thesis: Best Practices of Temporary Agency Work and Its Application for Türkiye (2014)