Where are they now? An interview with Serap Taşbaş

Can you tell me a bit more about yourself? My name is Serap, and I live in the Netherlands. I have a background in Geomatics Engineering and worked for over seven years in real estate valuation. Recently, I’ve transitioned into the tech field and am currently working towards becoming a data analyst.

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech? I’ve always loved working with data, and over time I realized how powerful data-driven decision-making can be across industries. I wanted to expand my skill set and contribute to impactful, data-informed solutions — that’s what motivated me to shift into tech.

How long have you been in the industry? Can you tell us a bit more about your journey to get where you are today? I made my transition into tech at the end of 2024 by enrolling in a Data Analytics Bootcamp with Le Wagon. It was a big shift after years in different sectors, but I fully embraced it by diving into Python, SQL, data visualization, and business analytics. Throughout the journey, I’ve been building projects, collaborating with peers, and connecting with the tech community to grow both technically and personally.

You're a recent recipient of our scholarship — what did you put the bursary towards and how did you apply what you learned to your career? The scholarship helped cover part of my bootcamp tuition. What I’ve learned has already had a big impact — I’ve built a portfolio of projects and feel much more confident analyzing data to tell meaningful stories. I’m currently applying for data analyst roles and continuing to build hands-on experience.

Do you have any advice or lessons for women entering the tech industry?Absolutely — don’t wait to feel “ready” to make the leap. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and there’s space for all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. Be curious, ask questions, and seek out supportive communities like SheSharp — they make all the difference. Also, keep building — even small projects count and show your growth.