Learn how Gulden Simsek—a Turkish PhD holder and mother—leveraged SpikeUp.ai’s intensive data program alongside separate Dutch language courses to master analytics and secure a Data Analyst role at UWV.
A New Chapter in Almere
In 2020, Gulden Simsek fled Turkey for political reasons and arrived in the Netherlands with her husband and daughter; shortly thereafter, her son was born while they were staying in an asylum camp in Emmen.
Despite holding a PhD in biomedical engineering and having experience in teaching physics in addition to her researcher experience in Turkey, she quickly saw that technical academic credentials alone wouldn’t be enough. “I realized that speaking Dutch well opened more doors than any technical skill alone”.
Settling in Almere, she resolved to pair her academic strengths with industry-ready data expertise and to learn Dutch.
Pivoting from Academia to Data
As she completed her PhD, Gulden decided to leave academia for the burgeoning field of data. A friend who’d graduated from SpikeUp.ai described how the program coupled hands-on data modules with cultural insights. “I wanted real projects, real feedback, and a community that believed in me”. That recommendation convinced her to enroll in SpikeUp.ai’s year-long data curriculum.
Balancing Data Training with Independent Dutch Classes
While SpikeUp.ai focused on SQL, Python, and cloud fundamentals, Gulden attended separate Dutch language courses outside the bootcamp. This dual approach—structured technical training plus independent language study—gave her the confidence to participate fully in a Dutch workplace.
Capstone project with UWV: From Concept to Technical Solution
Midway through the curriculum, Gulden joined a team-based, six-week capstone project in collaboration with UWV, the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency—a mandatory component of the SpikeUp.ai program required for graduation. There, she worked hands-on with real employment and benefits datasets, writing Python scripts and providing a technical solution to a challenging business use case. “Developing a data product from beginning to end was incredibly rewarding,” she recalls, “It proved I could deliver under real deadlines while respecting strict privacy regulations”.
Landing the Role: Life as a UWV Data Analyst
Nine months ago, UWV offered Gulden a full-time Data Analyst position. Now, she writes complex SQL queries, automates reporting pipelines, and provides data-driven solutions to senior stakeholders. She also speaks fluent Dutch at work!
Reflecting on her journey and looking forward, Gulden shares her aspirations: “I want to become an expert in my field and eventually help others, potentially contributing back to SpikeUp.ai”.
Advice for Aspiring Graduates
Gulden distils her experience into two guiding mantras:
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- “Just work hard.” Consistency and determination drive success in the Netherlands.
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- “Don’t wait for the perfect job—start working even if it’s not ideal to gain Dutch experience and build connections.”
Gulden Simsek’s transformation—pairing SpikeUp.ai’s data training with an independent Dutch study—demonstrates how dedication, structured learning, and cultural immersion can open doors in a new country.
Thanks to UVW for their collaboration. More about UVW go to: UVW
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