When Gizem first spotted an Ironhack advertisement on Instagram, she was already working in tech—but something was missing. Despite her background in Physics Engineering and experience as a Product Owner, she felt drawn to the world of coding. Like many professionals in Berlin's vibrant tech scene, she found herself at a crossroads: continue along her current path or take a bold step toward becoming a developer. Today, as an Associate Software Engineer at Dunnhumby, her decision to change course has paid off in ways she couldn't have imagined.
What were you doing before discovering Ironhack?
Before discovering Ironhack, I had graduated with a degree in Physics Engineering and was already working in the IT industry in Turkey as a Product Owner and Scrum Master. Even then, I had a strong desire to learn how to code and become a software developer. After moving to Berlin, I continued working as a Product Owner for a while, but that itch to dive into coding never went away—so, I finally decided to take the leap!
What encouraged you to sign up for an Ironhack bootcamp?
I’ve always wanted to learn how to code and pursue my dream of becoming a Software Developer. Initially, I started learning on my own through online courses, but it was a tough journey. Learning alone was challenging—there was no one to turn to when I got stuck, and progress felt frustratingly slow. One day, I came across an Ironhack advertisement on Instagram. Intrigued, I checked out their website and left my contact details. From that moment, everything changed—and the rest is history!
What were the main benefits of on-site learning for you? Would you recommend this format to others?
I would absolutely recommend learning onsite! First of all, you get the chance to make new friends from all over the world. Ironhack’s Berlin campus is fantastic, and being there in person every day really enhanced collaboration during the bootcamp. The sense of community made a huge difference—it’s something you don’t always get in online learning. On top of that, there were amazing events and celebrations that brought everyone together and made the experience even more special. I collected incredible memories along the way. Even though the bootcamp process was challenging, I felt incredibly lucky and genuinely joyful throughout the experience. It’s something I’ll always treasure!
What was your experience with your teacher like?
The teacher was fantastic! He had extensive knowledge across a wide range of topics, and whenever we had questions, he would explain everything in great detail. What really stood out was how he used so many examples to help us fully understand the concepts. His teaching style made even the most complex topics easier to grasp and kept us engaged throughout the bootcamp.
Gizem's journey from Product Owner to Software Engineer exemplifies the transformative power of focused, intensive learning in a supportive environment. While she chose the bootcamp route, Ironhack Berlin has expanded its offerings to meet diverse learning needs. Their new One-Year AI Software Engineering Program represents an evolution in tech education, combining comprehensive software engineering fundamentals with cutting-edge AI applications.
The program, which includes guaranteed career services and an internship placement, is particularly accessible for job seekers, with 100% coverage available through the Agentur für Arbeit. It offers the same supportive community that Gizem found so valuable, but with an extended curriculum that deeply integrates AI capabilities—a crucial toolkit for tomorrow's developers.
For those standing where Gizem once stood, contemplating a transition into tech, Ironhack's expanded program options provide multiple pathways to success in Berlin's dynamic tech landscape. As Gizem's experience shows, sometimes all it takes is that first step to transform a long-held dream into reality.
