At the end of last year Every Mother Knows joined forces with TechMeUp and Le Wagon to help mothers in The Netherlands get into the tech industry through sponsored bootcamps and trainings.
Through this partnership, mothers who are based in The Netherlands and have a valid Dutch residence permit can apply to one of Le Wagon bootcamps benefiting from a discount of 500€ from Le Wagon. Mothers can also apply for an interest-free loan from TechMeUp (up to 7500€) to be repaid only after they secure a stable job.
Last October we kicked off this campaign with an informative morning at the Le Wagon campus in Amsterdam with more than 50 mothers joining us. Our founder, Angela opened the day introducing the partnership and sharing some highlights into the Dutch job market with focus on tech jobs and careers for mothers. Franck Dirat from Le Wagon provided an overview of the different bootcamps available on campus and online and answered all the questions around upskilling in tech. Hisham AI Hashemi from TechMeUP gave more info about the financing opportunities and the practical steps to get the funding for tech trainings. To finish off the morning, the audience got to hear the experiences and lessons shared by fellow mothers and Le Wagon alumni 💖
Today we are excited to share that the first scholarship has been granted to Manasi Gadekar, an indian national who relocated to The Netherlands with her family a few years ago. She is starting the Data Analytics bootcamp at Le Wagon this month.
We recently sat down with Manasi to ask her a few questions about her journey and plans for the future. Here is what she shared.
What was the reason that made you decide to relocate to The Netherlands?
It’s one of the happiest countries for children. My husband received a job opportunity, and we also had friends working in the Netherlands who spoke highly of their experience. It’s a welcoming country with friendly people, making it easy for expats like us to settle in.
What has been one of the biggest challenges you experienced when you moved to The Netherlands?
One of the biggest challenges we faced after moving to the Netherlands was the onset of COVID-19 shortly after our arrival, which made it harder to adjust to a new country. Finding a job also proved challenging, despite exploring multiple career options. While most aspects of life in the Netherlands are great, securing employment as an expat can still be quite difficult.
What did you do to overcome that challenge?
I focused on improving my skills in frontend technologies and took related courses to bridge the gap in my career. I also realized the importance of networking and started building connections. With the support of friends and family, I kept myself engaged by learning new skills, seeking career coaching, and staying proactive.
How did you learn about this opportunity with TechMeUp and Le Wagon?
I was already familiar with TechMeUp and had attended some of their events in the past. I learned about this opportunity through Every Mother Knows, a community that I’ve also been part of for some time now.
What made you decide to apply?
I wanted to resume my career and this presented the right opportunity where I could learn the skill I was interested in and also what the market demands. But the most important thing was to get the financial support for which I really appreciate TechMeUp.
How did the process go?
The process was quite straightforward. I received a lot of support from TechMeUp for a timely and successful application process.
Why did you choose the Data Analytics Bootcamp?
I looked at the course curriculum and at the rising demand for skilled professionals in the field related to data and business processes. My initial learning and research helped me make this decision.
What are your plans for the future?
To land a job in the field of data analytics where I will get the opportunity to use my past experience in IT and build my new career using that experience, as well as my new skills.
We wish Manasi all the best for her future and look forward to sharing more success stories of mothers getting into the tech industry.
You can learn more about this campaign and apply here.
