Zeliha Kursuncu - Confidence and curiosity: the keys to entering (and growing) as a woman in tech
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, 8 March, SQLI is shining a light on the women in Tech who contribute every day to the evolution of our professions. These are unique and inspiring journeys that demonstrate how tech can also be expressed in the feminine, without compromising on expertise, ambition or work–life balance.
In a sector that is still largely male-dominated, some career paths show that there are countless ways to find one’s place in tech. The journey of Zeliha Kursuncu, now a Project Director at SQLI, is undoubtedly one of them. Marked by conviction, curiosity and passion, her career illustrates how rich, open and promising this field can be for all those who wish to pursue it.
A childhood dream of engineering
Drawn from an early age to mathematics, logic and problem-solving, Zeliha’s career path began to take shape during her childhood.
After a discussion with her older sister while trying to answer a question from her teacher, the conclusion was clear: she wanted to become a computer engineer. It was an obvious choice, aligned with her personality and interests.
She confidently pursued a scientific academic path that eventually led her to EPITA engineering school, where women were very few in number.
“There were about ten girls in my year,” she recalls.
Despite this, she never felt held back, even if the lack of female role models highlighted the uniqueness of her path.
Zeliha then built a rich and varied career: application maintenance management, data migration, complex programme management, and leading multicultural teams.
“Tech has offered me what I enjoy most: the diversity of projects and the possibility of working anywhere in the world.”
Being a woman in tech: a difference that is fading
While her studies made inequalities visible, the intense attention given to the few women in her cohort and the stereotypes surrounding technical professions, Zeliha observes a very positive evolution since then.
As time goes by, I feel that difference less and less. I see more and more women in positions of responsibility, which is encouraging and inspiring. Profiles in tech are becoming increasingly diverse, and people can come from any background.
However, she also highlights several realities:
- Women are still underrepresented in technical roles.
- Many women move into tech later in their careers.
- Stereotypes persist when it comes to educational guidance.
“It is still not entirely natural to guide girls towards highly technical careers, even when they excel in science.”
SQLI: an environment where the individual comes first
Among her professional experiences, Zeliha highlights a key differentiating factor at SQLI:
“At SQLI, the individual is always placed at the centre: their skills, their aspirations and their potential. It is an environment where everyone can shape their own path.”
This approach encourages diversity and strengthens the confidence of female talent in their ability to grow and progress.
Zeliha’s advice for women who have doubts
“If a woman wants to start a career in tech, she should dare to do it.”
For Zeliha, it all begins with a better understanding of the sector.
“We need to present tech as a real opportunity from an early age and, above all, show the diversity of roles. You do not necessarily become a developer: there is project management, design, strategy, data, consulting and leadership.”
She also stresses the importance of being able to envision a future in the sector:
“You can evolve, change roles and explore new fields. I did not have that vision at the time, and it would have reassured me even more.”
She also emphasises the strength of female solidarity:
“A woman will always find support from another woman who has been through the same experience.”
She recalls being asked to reassure an apprentice who doubted her legitimacy:
“She felt surrounded by older men and thought she did not belong there. Seeing her leave reassured confirmed that these barriers still exist… but that they can be overcome.”
Towards a more inclusive future in tech: the challenges according to Zeliha
For Zeliha, the key challenges today are:
- demystifying careers in tech,
- encouraging female vocations,
- providing accessible role models,
- and continuing to open the way, together.
Her message is both optimistic and inspiring:
“Have confidence in yourself and in a world that is moving in the right direction. Tech is a sector of the future, diverse, deeply human and full of opportunities. There is room for everyone, and you truly have a place in it.”
Conclusion: Tech, a playground open to everyone
Zeliha’s journey perfectly illustrates that tech is not a closed world.
It is a playground where logic, curiosity, the desire to learn and the ability to collaborate are the only real keys to entry, a powerful message for those who dream of starting or growing their careers in the sector.
