Learning about new technologies<\/h2>\n
Omar was born in Abu Dhabi but lived most of his life in Yemen. He came to the Netherlands in 2019 and wanted to continue his software engineering skills and build a life and career in his new country. Omar\u2019s interest in IT started at a young age. \u201cI like how you always have to learn something new to solve the puzzle, it really motivates me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Azure Academy graduate Ali was born in Turkey. Just like Omar he had prior experience in IT, having worked as a database administrator in Turkey. After coming to the Netherlands in 2019, he wanted to build upon his existing skills. When a friend at a Dutch asylum center told him about the Azure Academy, he was immediately interested. \u201cWhen I arrived in the Netherlands, I felt quite alone without a job, home, or network. I knew I wanted to work as soon as possible to build my own livelihood and to integrate into my new country,\u201d Ali shares.<\/p>\n
The Azure Academy was his chance to do so. \u201cEvery organization is moving their business to the cloud. I was curious to find out more about these technologies,\u201d Ali explains. \u201cThis IT and soft skills training was fully paid for and helped me update my cloud\/data\/IT skills and certifications. As a result, I got a paid job at ABN AMRO in a great team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Getting the most out of Azure Academy<\/h2>\n
After some IQ and personality tests, both Omar and Ali joined the Azure Academy program. For a period of 16 weeks, they trained to be Azure data engineers. Ali reflects on what he learned during one of his projects. \u201cLooking back, our group presentation was the highlight of my time at Azure Academy. We used Power BI to show how a country’s gross domestic product correlated with the level of healthcare and the average education level.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the things I really liked about Azure Academy is that they give you the opportunity to test everything,\u201d Omar says. He’s also happy about the networks you develop during your training and enjoyed combining the curriculum with self-study. \u201cI’d recommend it to anyone, as it teaches you about real-world issues.\u201d The combination of expanding IT skills and learning soft skills in this program was the crucial head start both Omar and Ali needed.<\/p>\n
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Fulfilling work<\/h2>\n
Following their training at Azure Academy, both Omar and Ali found jobs at ABN AMRO. Ali works as a Data & Development Engineer with a Forensic Data Disclosure team. \u201cI help my team especially on Azure cloud environment and database management. I really like my job and feel like I’m making a difference at the company.\u201d<\/p>\n
As an IT Engineer, Omar ensures the bank’s infrastructure is reliable and stable. He enjoys finding the right solution for each issue. \u201cWhen we get a new requirement, we pitch our own ideas to enhance the platform or fix the problem in a different way. And this is really the way I like to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
A happy home at ABN AMRO<\/h2>\n
By sharing their experiences, Ali and Omar also help to improve the partnership between Microsoft and ABN AMRO. For example, the Azure Academy curriculum now offers courses about scrum and Agile principles. Their feedback is also essential to keep improving this program. This way we can offer the best solutions and training guidelines for future trainees.<\/p>\n
Speaking of their feedback, both gentlemen are happy that they were able to join ABN AMRO after graduating from the Azure Academy. \u201cI like that you can talk to anyone in the organization without feeling there’s a difference in hierarchy,\u201d says Omar. Ali shares this observation. \u201cWhen I started at ABN AMRO, everybody treated me as an equal.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Ali, Azure Academy was a springboard for his new life. \u201cIt’s a great opportunity for refugees. Now I have a job and get to learn new things every day.\u201d Omar is also very happy at the bank. \u201cMy work is really challenging, and that’s what makes it fun. My motto: don’t rest until you beat the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
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