About Me — Fırat Olçum
From law school to data analytics, my journey is a story of reinvention, resilience, and curiosity.
www.firatolcum.com | www.linkedin.com/in/firatolcum
I am Fırat Olçum, a Data Analyst based in Istanbul, Turkey. My journey here has been anything but ordinary. I’ve worn many hats along the way from coordinating projects to studying law to diving headfirst into the world of data. Each chapter of my career taught me the value of adaptability and the importance of following one’s passion.
In 2014, I began my career as a Project Manager. Over three years in that role, I honed skills in System Design, Resource Management, and Problem-solving. Leading teams and juggling tight deadlines wasn’t easy, but it taught me how to stay calm in a crisis and collaborate with people from all walks of life. Little did I know, these lessons in multitasking and communication would become a strong foundation for my future in tech.
By 2017, driven by an interest in Justice, I took an unexpected detour: Law School. I had excelled in the entrance exams and earned admission to a law program, eager to broaden my perspective and make a difference. Studying law opened my eyes to new ways of thinking and sharpened my critical reasoning. However, when the world was upended by a pandemic in 2020, life had other plans. I put my legal studies on hold and found myself reflecting on what truly excited me.
That period of reflection led me back to a childhood passion: Technology. At the end of 2021, I made the leap into information technology, a field where I’ve always felt at home and where merit and skill are truly valued. It was both exhilarating and daunting to start fresh in a new industry. I threw myself into learning, fueled by the same curiosity that had drawn me to tech as a kid tinkering with computers. I realized that the analytical thinking I developed in law and the leadership skills I learned in project management could combine powerfully in the tech world.
To accelerate my transition, I enrolled in an intensive Data Science Bootcamp in 2022. Immersing myself in this program, I learned to wrangle datasets, build Machine Learning models, and extract meaning from complex information. From mastering Python and SQL to exploring machine learning and data visualization, I gained a robust toolkit of technical skills. More importantly, I rediscovered my love for continuous learning — the thrill of tackling a challenge far outside my comfort zone and coming out the other side with new knowledge and confidence.
Today, I apply those skills as a Data Analyst at Mega Metal, turning raw data into strategic insights in the copper wire industry. Juggling a full-time role while pursuing an M.Sc. in Big Data & Business Analytics at Istanbul Technical University keeps me on my toes (and yes, coffee helps!). Whether I’m at the office analyzing trends or in a classroom discussing the latest in data strategy, I thrive on the energy of growth and discovery. Every dataset I encounter is a puzzle to solve and an opportunity to make a positive impact through informed decision-making.
Beyond Work
Outside the office, I’m a firm believer in balancing work with life’s simple joys. Here are a few things that keep me grounded and inspired:
- Avid Reader: I love getting lost in books, from tech non-fiction that feeds my curiosity to novels that spark my imagination.
- Staying Active: Whether it’s a morning run or a pickup game with friends, sports help me recharge and keep a clear mind.
- Nature Lover: I never miss a chance to catch a sunrise or sunset. Exploring nature, be it a quiet park or a mountain trail, gives me fresh perspective and peace.
- Helping Others: I find joy in mentoring and volunteering. Sharing knowledge and lending a hand to those who need it isn’t just rewarding, it’s part of who I am.
Looking ahead, one theme ties all these experiences together: a passion for growth. My unconventional path taught me that it’s never too late to learn something new or change direction. In every role I’ve taken on, I’ve sought to learn, adapt, and contribute meaningfully. As I continue my journey in data analytics, I remain committed to growing both professionally and personally. I’m excited to keep exploring the endless possibilities in the data world and to make a positive impact in my industry, and in the lives of others.
