My Journey in Tech: Insights and Challenges from a Kazakh IT Professional
Nazerke Seidan: From Kazakhstan to the Global IT Industry
Nazerke Seidan, a native of Kazakhstan, has embarked on a remarkable career journey that has taken her across continents. From Europe to the United States and back to her home country, she now works in a global IT company, making significant contributions to the industry.
In an exclusive interview with The Astana Times, Seidan shared what inspired her to choose a career in technology and the challenges she faced along the way. “Different aspects impacted me to choose software engineering. I was looking for fields that require logical and critical thinking and involve coding,” she explained. Seidan studied computer science in Budapest for four years, during which she did internships in Hungary, Japan, and Switzerland to gain practical industry experience.
Her exploration of various fields within computer science, including front-end, back-end, and machine learning, broadened her knowledge and expertise. However, she highlighted the challenge of knowing where to start in such a vast field and the importance of having mentors and guidance along the way.
One significant mentor in Seidan’s professional journey was David Smiley, who helped her navigate the industry and secure a job at Salesforce, an American company specializing in customer relationship management on the public cloud. Seidan spent two years in France before relocating to New York City to explore the U.S. culture.
Despite working in a male-dominated industry, Seidan emphasized that being a woman in tech is not a challenge. However, she acknowledged the importance of addressing gender stereotypes that can discourage girls and women from pursuing careers in STEM fields. Globally, only 30% of women enrolled in higher education opt for STEM fields, with just 3% choosing ICT disciplines.
Reflecting on the development of IT in Kazakhstan, Seidan expressed optimism about the industry’s growth and digital transformation. With over 14,000 IT companies and 180,000 employees in Kazakhstan, the sector’s exports exceeded $500 million in 2023. The government’s focus on digital transformation in healthcare, education, and governance indicates a promising future for tech in the country.
While praising the electronic government system in Kazakhstan for its convenience and efficiency, Seidan highlighted the importance of prioritizing quality and security in tech development. As a member of the Digital Nomads global community of Kazakh IT professionals, she is involved in projects to promote tech education and skills in Kazakhstan.
Seidan’s story exemplifies the talent and potential present in Kazakhstan’s IT industry. With her expertise and determination, she is paving the way for more women to thrive in the tech sector and contributing to the country’s digital future.
