Beyond the Verdict: Gokhan Ilkel on Curiosity and Criminology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
by Alberto Valverde M.
|
Student Snapshot: Gokhan Ilkel at a Glance |
Gökhan’s interest in criminology didn’t begin in a classroom or through textbooks, but inside a Turkish courtroom.
During a law job-shadowing experience in high school, Gökhan attended a high-stakes criminal trial involving a violent crime. The case was intense, not only because of the severity of the charges, but because of the emotional weight of the proceedings. Being present during the trial, and finally witnessing the sentencing, left a lasting impression on the young observer.
“It’s still something I haven’t forgotten,” Gökhan recalls.
What stayed with him was not only the intensity of the moment, but the complexity behind it. While the defendant was found guilty of a violent crime, the case involved a broader personal context that challenged a simple, good-versus-bad narrative.
“That experience pushed me beyond a surface-level understanding of crime,” Gökhan explains. “It made me realise how important it is to understand the background and circumstances behind people’s actions, without excusing them.”
That realisation marked the beginning of his interest in Criminology: a discipline focused not only on criminal acts themselves, but on the social, psychological, and legal factors that shape and lead to them.
Exploring criminology before choosing a university
Gökhan’s presence in the courtroom was not accidental. During his teenage years he actively participated in his school’s job-shadowing programme, using these short placements to explore a wide range of interests before committing to a university path. Observing work environments ranging from manufacturing and textiles to aviation and business consulting.
Among these experiences, shadowing a defense attorney proved the most influential. After which, Gökhan started exploring the concept of criminology independently. Watching films, documentaries, and researching well-known Turkish criminal cases.
What started as curiosity gradually became a clear academic direction.
This interest is what ultimately led him to enroll in the Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, joining the programme’s first cohort.
Studying Criminology at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Now midway through his freshman year, Gökhan is finding that his early exposure to the justice system and his academic studies are beginning to connect.
“In Public Law we’re studying the relationship between the state and the individual, the legal system, and the concept of justice,” Gökhan shares.
These subjects have helped him revisit what he witnessed years earlier, this time with analytical tools. The dynamics between judge and defendant, the role of legal institutions, and the broader structure of justice now carry theoretical depth.
He also shares his enjoyment for his Contemporary History class, which mirrors his interest in understanding human systems within their broader historical context. This same perspective influenced his choice of Università Cattolica. “It's a 100-year-old university, that heritage was something that caught my attention immediately,” he explains.
An international Student Experience in Milan
Beyond history and academics, Gökhan describes Università Cattolica as a supportive and welcoming environment, something which he especially felt during his initial transition phase.
“After I came here and started lessons, I realised that all my classmates and professors were very open to communicate.” Contributing for a smooth transition from Izmir to Milan.
Over time, he went from being a newcomer to supporting the University’s international community, volunteering at the Spring 2026 Orientation Event to welcome new exchange students. This way, his own transition became a guide for others.
Career goals: from Criminology to international security
Looking ahead, Gökhan’s sights are set far beyond a standard desk job. Having previously helped with his family’s retail business and participated in various internships, he discovered early on that he thrives in dynamic environments.
"I see myself as naturally curious and highly aware of social dynamics," he states. "I’m not an office person; I cannot just sit and do paperwork."
He hopes one day to work in investigative or security-related fields, addressing global challenges such as terrorism and international security. His long-term goal is to work on an international scale within Europe or the United States, potentially for organisations such as NATO.
Advice for future Criminology students
Reflecting on his journey from a wide-eyed high schooler in a courtroom to a pioneer in Cattolica’s Criminology Bachelor’s degree, Gökhan’s advice to future students is surprisingly simple. He believes that the key isn’t in being "perfect," but in having a genuine spark
"No one is perfect," he concludes. "They just need to be themselves. That is what really matters.”
Overall, Gökhans journey serves as a real testimony for any student concerned about the distance or the difficulty: the "right" choice isn't necessarily the one that feels easiest, but the one that allows you to be exactly who you are while learning what you love.