My Journey in Tech By Zeynep Inkaya

Hi everyone, I’m Zeynep. I earned my BSc in Computer Science from Hacettepe University and am currently pursuing my MSc in the same field. Let me introduce you to my journey into the tech field. I’ve been interested in technology since my childhood, though my interest fluctuated over time. This is where my story in tech begins.

My Education and Interests

It’s challenging to find the profession that best suits our habits and personalities. I was fortunate enough to select the right one for me because I conducted extensive research into almost all areas and was very careful when making decisions about my dream job during high school. I attended tech meetings, volunteered as part of organizational teams, and worked on projects related to my interests during my Bachelor’s studies—all of which helped me get where I wanted to be.

My thesis is focused on Image Processing and Computer Vision. This fall, I am taking courses in networking and security, and I’m developing my skills in these areas. I enjoy discovering and learning about current problems in different fields, and I appreciate the flexibility of tech, which allows me to explore various areas and perspectives. Aside from my technical interests, I also take time for digital art and amateur photography.

I am passionate about the tech field and intend to continue my journey by expanding my knowledge and skills both academically and professionally, while contributing to the tech community, particularly by supporting women in tech.

Overcoming Challenges

Of course, behind every success, there are difficulties that we don’t often discuss. These challenges make success even more valuable. I’d like to share one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced.

I grew up with my parents and grandparents and had a deep connection with my grandfather. I have many wonderful childhood memories with him. During my undergraduate years, my grandfather suddenly fell ill, and despite several years of trying to treat him, we unfortunately lost him. It was painful to witness his unexpected illness and eventual death. Overcoming this was not easy, and when other setbacks in life occurred, I began to struggle.

During this time, I allowed myself to feel my pain instead of suppressing my emotions. I also made myself carve out time for my hobbies, even when I didn’t feel like it, and I took long walks. What helped make this struggle easier was seeking professional support and receiving help from my relatives. After going through these difficult times, I realized that, beyond the sadness of losing my grandfather, I was grateful to have had someone in my life who placed great importance on the education of girls.

My Experience with womENcourage

So, how did my journey with womENcourage begin? I first learned about this conference through a blog post I came across when I was a freshman. Due to the pandemic, I couldn’t attend until this year. This year, my dream finally came true. It was my first time attending womENcourage, and I left feeling highly motivated. It was incredibly valuable to see women coming together to share their efforts in this field and to witness the support we gave each other.

What I loved most about this conference was observing the significant progress we’ve made despite all the challenges. I also appreciated the support we provided one another and the opportunity to learn from the valuable experiences of our colleagues in the technology field. All of this serves as a great source of inspiration and motivation for me.

My Final Thoughts

This is my story in brief. If you want to make progress in the field of technology, my suggestion would be to raise awareness and work toward your goals without compromising yourself—especially in a time when women still need to strive to prove themselves. Together, let’s move towards a fairer, more equal, and successful future.



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