On July 16, 2016, and the years that followed, Ibrahim Tatarlar’s life changed forever.
A well-educated, professional accountant, Ibrahim led a successful life in Turkey, with his own accounting firm, a wife who worked as a mathematics teacher, and a baby on the way. However, the coup attempt in 2016 changed everything.
After the Gülen movement was labeled as a terrorist organization, Ibrahim and his wife were arrested because they had mild ties to the movement. Ibrahim was imprisoned for nine months, while his wife stayed free due to her pregnancy. While the courts decided on Ibrahim’s sentence, he was set free. During that time, Ibrahim decided it was time to leave.
A new beginning in the Netherlands
In 2019, Ibrahim and his family fled to Greece and then the Netherlands, which he had visited twice before. “I chose the Netherlands because it is a known ‘free’ country and people are very kind to newcomers,” Ibrahim says. “I’m very happy with my decision. People are very kind to us and they help us and we try to learn the culture and language. We want to work and stand on our own two feet.”
After staying in a refugee camp for 17 months, Ibrahim and his wife were able to obtain a residence permit and find a house. As an owner of his own accounting firm in Turkey and a highly skilled accountant himself, Ibrahim wanted to learn more about the Dutch labor market and culture, in the hopes of working as an accountant in the Dutch market one day – and potentially even starting his own business. He decided to apply to Delitelabs to gain new insights, knowledge, and skills to reach his goals.
“I have an entrepreneurial personality,” he says. “I believe I will start my own business in the future.”
Start building your own business in the UP Collective program
Even though he has a business background, Ibrahim still gained valuable insights and lessons in the UP Collective (former ICE Academy) program. During the program, he explored topics like how to start a business, how to create a brand, and how to find your target customers. Ibrahim was also able to improve his English skills since the program is conducted in English with participants from around the world.
One of the highlights of his experience was presenting a new business idea to a jury of experienced professionals from companies such as Unilever. Ibrahim’s business idea was a subscription-based pet product company.
The jury was also impressed with his idea, as well as his ability to answer difficult questions like, “How much capital do you need?”
“It was very inspiring for me,” Ibrahim shares.
Resilience, Motivation, and Knowledge: The Keys to a New Career
After completing the program, Ibrahim faced ongoing challenges finding opportunities in the Dutch job market. Despite his qualifications and experience, integrating into a new professional landscape wasn’t easy. However, Ibrahim remained focused, continuing to learn Dutch and adapt to the local culture.
With DELITELABS’ support and personal determination, Ibrahim took strategic steps to kickstart his career. He began working as an Audit Associate at PwC Nederland, where he applied his expertise in accounting and financial analysis.
Today, Ibrahim has progressed even further in his career. He now works as a Financial Auditor at Auditdienst Rijk, contributing his skills to the Dutch government’s audit agency. His current role demonstrates his adaptability and the significant contributions skilled newcomers can make to the local economy.
Why Ibrahim’s Journey Matters
Ibrahim’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and structured support programs like DELITELABS. By connecting motivated individuals with the tools and opportunities they need, we can empower more newcomers to rebuild their careers and achieve economic independence.
His inspiring journey—from Turkey to a thriving professional career in the Netherlands—highlights the value of initiatives that invest in talent. Ibrahim’s success serves as a shining example of what’s possible when individuals receive the support they need to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
Written by Sophie Poulsen & Delitelabs Team
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