Success Story of Nasrin Jafari

From Afghanistan to Switzerland, Nasrin Jafari's journey is a story of resilience and determination. Her unwavering passion for IT drove her to join Powercoders. Through Powercoders, Nasrin found the structure and support she needed to build a solid foundation for her career, which led her to UBS.

Apprentice Application Developer at UBS

December 2024

When Nasrin Jafari arrived in Switzerland in February 2020, she brought with her a wealth of experience and a resilient spirit forged by her tumultuous journey from Afghanistan to Iran and finally to Europe. Born in Afghanistan and raised in Iran, Nasrin’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Despite significant obstacles, her determination and passion for IT have driven her to success, culminating in her current role as an application developer at UBS.

A Challenging Journey
Nasrin’s journey to Switzerland was full of challenges. At just 22 years old, she navigated a dangerous route through Turkey and Greece before finally reaching her destination. This arduous experience gave her a newfound appreciation for the struggles her parents faced when they first immigrated to Iran. Reflecting on her journey, Nasrin understands the profound sacrifices and dangers involved in seeking a better life.

«The journey wasn’t easy at all; we had to first go to Turkey, then Greece, then Switzerland. As a 22-year-old, I faced challenging events which made me understand what my parents went through during their first immigration.», Nasrin remembers.

The Powercoders Experience
Motivated by her deep passion for IT, Nasrin joined Powercoders, an organization dedicated to training refugees in coding and helping them secure employment in the technology industry. From the start, she was impressed by the structure of the program and the opportunities it offered to build a solid career foundation. What surprised her most was the program’s success rate and the willingness of people to help each other.

For anyone considering Powercoders, Nasrin has a clear message:

«If you’re an immigrant and you’re passionate about IT, don’t hesitate. The experience and knowledge you will gain is worth its weight in gold.»

Transitioning to UBS
Nasrin’s transition from the Powercoders program to a full-time role at UBS was marked by her decision to pursue an apprenticeship. Although she received considerable support, mastering the German language to meet the C1 level requirement was particularly challenging. However, her determination paid off and she successfully extended her internship to bridge the gap before starting her apprenticeship.

«One of the criteria for the apprenticeship was C1 Level German, and I fulfilled it. Because of this, they accepted me. I then extended my one-year-internship until the apprenticeship started six months later.», Nasrin recalls.

At UBS, Nasrin’s experience has been overwhelmingly positive. She has worked on mobile app development projects in Swift and React Native, with one of her React Native apps currently in production. Her first impression of developing for iOS devices is a fond memory, highlighting the smooth and interesting nature of the work.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Relationships
Language barriers were the biggest challenge during her training, but Nasrin’s perseverance and the support of her colleagues helped her overcome this hurdle. She credits people like UBS colleague Rachel Kwok, who introduced her to the growth and training opportunities at UBS, which influenced her decision to work there.

«I always try to see the glass half full, even the challenges and bad experiences built something positive in me.», says Nasrin.

Today, Nasrin is an apprentice application developer in the Regulatory Tax Reporting department. Her role has shifted from developing mobile applications to working with Cobol for Mainframe, demonstrating the diverse skills she has developed.

The UBS and Powercoders Partnership
The partnership between UBS and Powercoders has been instrumental in Nasrin’s career development. She describes the relationship as one in which both companies strive to help talented individuals build their careers and futures. For those interested in IT and unsure of where to start, Nasrin emphasizes that Powercoders offers an invaluable opportunity.

The success of this partnership serves as a model for other collaborations, demonstrating a win-win situation for both organizations and participants. For Nasrin, this collaboration has opened doors and provided avenues for growth, allowing her to move steadily toward her career goals.

«Powercoders and UBS both do their best to help talented people have the opportunity to build their career and future.», Nasrin summarizes.

Looking Forward
Nasrin has a bright future ahead of her. With each passing day, she continues to move forward in her career, fueled by the skills and experience she has gained through Powercoders and UBS. Her journey from Afghanistan to Switzerland, marked by resilience and dedication, is a testament to the transformative power of education and opportunity.

In conclusion, Nasrin’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and the impact of supportive networks. Her experience underscores the importance of programs like Powercoders and partnerships with companies like UBS in empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. As Nasrin continues to advance in her career, she remains an inspiring example of what can be accomplished with passion, hard work, and the right opportunities. We wish you all her best in her future endeavours!