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Nurgul is working at her office.
In Kazakhstan’s Mangystau region, where the Caspian Sea meets the shores of Aktau, Nurgul Piltan dared to dream big. She had a true passion for tech and pursued a degree in computer engineering, hoping to shape the digital future. But, like many young graduates, life took her on an unexpected detour.
After completing her studies in 2023, Nurgul faced a challenge familiar to many aspiring professionals: securing a job in her chosen field. Instead, she found herself working for a car dealership. At that point in time, the tech industry, promising yet competitive, seemed out of reach. Yet, amid the uncertainty, an opportunity emerged.
While adjusting to her job, Nurgul learned about the UNDP’s Youth Camp in Almaty, an initiative designed to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the job market. The programme focused on entrepreneurship, digital skills, public speaking and communication. It was implemented through UNDP’s regional initiative, funded by Japan, to support at-risk youth.
Being very active during her student years, she secured a place in the programme. It was a decision that would prove transformative:
“The Youth Camp gave me a clear understanding of how to build a career in my field,” she recalls. “It was a massive amount of information for a young specialist like me, but it was exactly what I needed.”
Nurgul is working at her office.
The Youth Camp was a community. Through workshops, mentorship and networking, Nurgul gained insights that reignited her passion for tech and design:
“There, I realized my setbacks were not roadblocks but stepping stones to more opportunities. Furthermore, the Youth Camp significantly enhanced my leadership skills, teamwork and self-confidence.”
Another of Nurgul's life-changing experiences was participating in the Leadership Programme for Women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in Astana. The programme, aimed at addressing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, introduced her to trailblazing women who have emerged as leaders.
“In Kazakhstan, gender equality in STEM is still evolving and the number of women in these fields is still low. Stereotypes, a lack of role models and weak support mechanisms often discourage young women from pursuing careers in technology,”Nurgul reflects.
Nurgul is working with the hardware.
And she is right. In 2024 the UNDP-Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development cross-regional dialogue highlighted Kazakhstan’s active investment in STEM education for women and girls. However, a 2024 UNDP and UN Women study revealed that 54 percent of Kazakhstani citizens believe STEM careers are unsuitable for women. This perception is reflected in statistics, with only 8-15 percent of women currently enrolled in engineering programmes.
However, through this initiative, she met women who had sundered these barriers, proving that success in STEM is not defined by gender but by passion, perseverance and skill. The experience was more than an education – it was an inspiration.
Nurgul is working at her office.
With renewed confidence and a bold outlook, Nurgul is now forging her path in tech. Her goal? To blend creativity with technology and become a leading specialist in UX/UI design, web development and front-end engineering. Her dream is to work for a major tech company or startup where she can contribute to cutting-edge projects.
But she has even bigger dreams ahead —one day, she envisions launching her design studio or IT company and creating innovative solutions that blend functionality with aesthetics.
Nurgul thus remains committed to continuous learning. She immerses herself in programming and UX/UI principles while engaging with professional communities, hackathons and tech conferences. She understands that excellence in her field is a journey, not a destination.
“The key to success is perseverance and hard work,” she says. “Only through continuous learning and practice can we achieve outstanding results.”
Nurgul’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience. Initiatives like the Youth Camp and the Leadership Programme for Women in STEM allow young women across Kazakhstan to acquire new skills and knowledge needed to build a career in tech. They also reflect UNDP’s broader commitment to promoting gender equality worldwide.
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The Youth Camp and the Leadership Programme for Women in STEM were implemented within the framework of the regional UNDP initiative aimed at promoting resilient communities to prevent violent extremism in Central Asia, funded by the Government of Japan.
The beachfront of Aktau.
