Before entering the legal field, Dursun worked in the maritime industry, building practical experience both at sea and ashore. He spent time onboard cargo ships, instructed cadets on collision avoidance, managed dry dock logistics for a major cruise line at shipyards around the world, conducted inspections as a marine surveyor, and coordinated exports for a major shipping line.

Dursun holds dual undergraduate degrees in marine transportation, earning his Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, from the State University of New York Maritime College, and a Bachelor of Science from the Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty.

Dursun earned his Joint J.D./LL.M. in Maritime Law, cum laude, from University of Miami School of Law, where he also completed a concentration in Environmental Law. During his legal studies, he clerked at a Miami firm, working on admiralty matters such as limitation of liability actions, maritime personal injury claims, and Jones Act maintenance and cure claims. He also gained insights into federal maritime law enforcement and regulatory compliance as a Legal Intern for the United States Coast Guard Seventh District Legal Office. Additionally, Dursun participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of a University of Miami delegation.