Discover how SpikeUp.ai’s immersive bootcamp helped Ameen Abass—a mechanical engineer and Syrian refugee—transition into a Business Analyst role on Deloitte’s AI Automation team in the Netherlands.
New Beginning in Zwolle
When Ameen Abass landed in Zwolle in 2022, he carried more than suitcases: he carried years of engineering study and a determination to build a new life. “I felt exactly like I was standing at the edge of a cliff,” Ameen recalls. After earning a mechanical engineering degree in Syria, Ameen spent some time in Hungary before arriving in the Netherlands, where he began studying online courses on Coursera but found them lacking: “They lack the working culture, professional contacts, and networking opportunities,” he said. Alone in his apartment, he realized he needed a more structured, community-driven approach—and that led him to SpikeUp.AI.
Discovering SpikeUp.AI
Everything changed the day Ameen saw an announcement from the Refugee Talent Hub about the SpikeUp.AI bootcamp. “I hit ‘apply’ before I even finished reading the email,” he laughs. Motivated by the promise of hands-on projects and industry mentorship, he poured his heart into the application. When his acceptance arrived, Ameen realized this program offered something different: direct exposure to Dutch work culture, peer collaboration, and access to practitioners who had walked the same path. “I remember jumping out of my chair,” he says. “ It meant someone believed in me.”
The Bootcamp Experience
In the opening weeks, Ameen built a broad overview of data technologies—Python, SQL, and cloud platforms—so that “when someone is talking about something, I could understand it” said Ameen. Just as crucial were the industry connections he forged: SpikeUp.AI “gave me the courage to send that first LinkedIn message or email to a hiring manager,” closing the gap between learning and securing interviews, said Ameen. Weekly guest talks from Deloitte and from other professionals brought these lessons to life, exposing him to real-world data workflows and approachable leadership styles.
First Days at Deloitte
On May 1, 2025, Ameen joined Deloitte’s AI Automation team as a Business Analyst. The first days weren’t easy, but he immediately felt welcomed. “Everyone did their best to support me, and I genuinely appreciate that,” he says. “SpikeUp also played a big role in helping me build confidence, which made a real difference.”
Navigating Language and Culture
Although English remains the default for documentation at Deloitte, Ameen requested Dutch-only meetings to accelerate his language skills. “I told my manager, ‘I’ll stumble—but I want to speak Dutch.’” He balanced project work with daily Dutch lessons. “Now I joke with colleagues in Dutch, and they laugh—which means I’m doing something right.” This immersive approach helped Ameen integrate more quickly than he expected: “It’s like learning to swim by being thrown in the deep end.”
Looking Ahead: Becoming a Specialist
Reflecting on his journey, Ameen is focused on deepening his technical skills: “I’d like to become comfortable with Python, SQL, and cloud, and eventually specialize in data engineering”. He sees SpikeUp.AI’s blend of technical training, cultural insights, and networking as the catalyst that transformed both his career—and his confidence.
Words of Wisdom: Advice for New Alumni
Ameen urges future SpikeUp.AI participants to treat every project as a step toward their dream job. “Work hard every single day—treat your studies like your future depends on them, because it does. Practice consistently and collaborate with others on demo projects—whether you find them online or get suggestions from your mentors. The most challenging part at Deloitte was setting up environments and integrating various platforms. Simulating those real-world scenarios in your bootcamp demo projects will make your first day in a new job feel familiar.” He recommends simulating end-to-end workflows, practicing collaboration tools, and building resilience.
A Life-Changing Experience
Reflecting on his journey, Ameen’s gratitude is clear:
“I can’t thank SpikeUp.AI enough. This was a life-changing experience for me and my family.”
His words capture the profound impact of the bootcamp—not just on his career but on his confidence and sense of belonging in a new country.
Ameen Abass’s story illustrates how a structured curriculum, cultural immersion, and strong connections can accelerate a career pivot in a new country. SpikeUp.AI equipped him with technical skills, introduced him to industry insiders, and gave him the network he needed to thrive at Deloitte.
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