First Steps in IT: How Bereke Bank Opens the Path for Women in Analytics

In this article, we provide a detailed overview of Bereke Bank’s new educational initiative aimed at supporting women in the IT sector.

Alina Anikina, Deputy Chairman of the Board  JSC “Bereke Bank” (Branch Lesha Bank LLC (Public))

Asel Maksatbek kyzy, Deputy Director of the Value Management Office

About the Program

Alina Anikina. Our new mission is rooted in understanding and respectful treatment of our clients. In my opinion, the feminine essence and the energy of modern women perfectly reflect care and attention to customer needs.

Digitalization, new trends, and opportunities for development—all of these open new horizons for women. This is precisely why we decided to support this initiative.

Today, we see that gender boundaries are gradually blurring. Where there were once certain limitations, women now possess immense potential. In principle, any position is achievable if, as I mentioned, there is a desire.

We aimed to provide not only opportunities but also professional training, because we understand that business analysis is a crucial function that may not always be covered in traditional education systems. At the same time, this role plays a significant part in developing business, products, or service solutions.

This is why we chose this direction, recognizing its high demand. We wanted to give our women the opportunity to explore careers beyond, for example, the banking sector. With these skills, they can join any corporation, company, or even start their own business—while gaining a much deeper understanding of modern approaches to business analysis.

It is worth noting that Bereke Bank actively develops new competencies and implements agile product development methodologies. The bank was among the first in the market to fully transition to the SAFe operational model. The team includes experienced certified specialists in various fields who are eager to share their knowledge not only within the company but also help partners and colleagues acquire new skills.

In April, Bereke Bank became an official partner of the international Women in Tech Global community. This collaboration opens up new opportunities for women working in innovation and technology. The bank signed a partnership agreement and served as the official sponsor of the Kazakh delegation at the Women in Tech Global Summit, which took place in Osaka, Japan.

Program Structure

The program lasts two months and is offered free of charge. During the selection process, 263 applications were received, from which 34 participants were chosen—the most motivated and prepared candidates.

The training consists of three key stages: theoretical coursework, practical sessions, and team-based case presentations.

Throughout the program, participants are supported by experienced experts who help them navigate complex topics and share professional advice. Additionally, the training covers both hard and soft skills development, enabling graduates to work effectively in teams, communicate with clients, and adapt to the rapidly changing market.

How the First Cohort Went

Alice Krivenko, Graduate of Bereke Bank’s Business Analyst School

I liked that this role serves as a bridge between users, product owners, and developers, and has a direct impact on the product without being overly burdened by technical details.

Everything was useful, but I also appreciated that we went through the entire journey—from gathering requirements to working with stakeholders. We worked with Jira, Draw.io, and Miro.

Ulyana Chistyakova, Graduate of Bereke Bank’s Business Analyst School

Business analysis is an interesting and in-depth profession.

Everything was useful. There were cases based on real examples, where everything was clear and detailed. I mastered various diagrams, learned how to conduct interviews, worked with Jira, created user story maps, and used Miro.

Bereke Bank’s Role

Asel Maksatbek kyzy. There is currently a boom in development. All sectors, regardless of their field, are creating their own products and ecosystems, including us. We are proud of our IT team and our talents who develop cutting-edge applications, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence.

We selected mentors based on our past experience launching our schools. Our mentors are specialists with over 10 years of experience in business analysis, not only in the Kazakh market. These are professionals who have worked in international organizations, including in the US and Europe. Their background commands respect.

Previously, we launched a Scrum Masters school. Currently, we focus on areas that are genuinely in demand. I understand that simply providing knowledge is not enough—it is important for participants to master the profession and immediately receive job offers or transition to internal vacancies.

Alina Anikina. We will expand. This is just the beginning—we have laid the “first stone” in this large and beautiful wall. Accordingly, we will continue to develop and offer new programs for women, and possibly without gender restrictions. We will help our participants grow.

IT is not a single entity but a broad scope of professions. There are backend developers, frontend developers, designers, Scrum Masters—and each has its own scope that we pay attention to. But what is most important to me is the readiness for change and the ability to quickly respond to new technological challenges.