TAAP changed our lives and it can change yours too

Whether you’re just returning to the workforce or making an intentional career shift, our Talent Acquisition Academy Program—better known as TAAP—provides all the training, mentorship, and support you need to leave ready to help Uber find and hire top talent and thrive. We believe in learning by doing and that there’s no better classroom than real-world experience. TAAP members are trained in a practicum environment with subject matter experts from across the talent acquisition community. Interested in joining? Learn more about TAAP and apply to our Amsterdam Program →

Leslie Delgado
Talent Acquisition Sourcer, Core Business, Operations and Analytics
Former Director of Operations

Why did you join TAAP?

“I joined TAAP because I wanted to make a difference and an impact on peoples’ lives, especially those that are part of underrepresented groups. During the pandemic, I understood firsthand how difficult job searching can be and how hard it is for people of color to get noticed by Recruiters and Sourcers and I wanted to be someone to change that. 

It was a time that affected everyone in one way or another. I was laid off due to the economic impact COVID-19 had on the industry I was in. I was the Director of Operations for a Wine and Spirits Importer and my whole department was pretty much shut down overnight because sales decreased due to the shutdown. After processing that life-changing moment, I realized that I was destined to do something different; something purposeful, meaningful, and impactful. It was one of those blessings in disguise during a chaotic time. Yes, I was devastated as it felt like 10 years of building my career in Management and Business Operations was just gone, but I picked myself up and literally followed my heart. My heart has always been in helping people and being an advocate and voice for underrepresented groups. So I started my own work in diversity, equity and inclusion through an online platform and e-shop I created, in addition to gaining certifications in DE&I from a university and joining online communities to network and share my passion.  

There is something magical about how a community can uplift you. I joined a space for Latinx in Tech to mingle and share opportunities, and it was there that I first learned about TAAP. When I read the description, I felt like it was a calling and the opportunity that I was waiting on to enter the space I was meant to be in and at a company that really embodied the values that I stood for. The fact that the program gave someone with a non-Sourcing background like myself a way to use the skills I had and learn the skills necessary to make the difference I want to make was a true blessing.” 

Tell us about your experience in the program.

“From day one, it was all love and support from everyone: management, TAAP alumni, people across Talent Acquisition, and even the CEO himself who made a nice welcome video for us. We walked into a community that worked together to develop our skills by sharing their experiences, tips and tricks, teaching us technical skills, and showing us how to use nifty tools to improve our productivity and set us up for success. Throughout the process, we had unconditional support and encouragement, especially from our managers. They checked in on us to see how we were doing, where we needed help, and encouraged us to “fail out loud,” which took so much pressure off trying to be perfect or getting everything right the first time. They solicited program feedback weekly to see what they could improve and incorporate what we wanted to see, so it really made me feel seen and heard. We were also paired up with a mentor during which served as an advisory guide and additional support system. I created a special bond with my mentor that has carried over even after the program. Uber as a culture really fosters inclusivity, embraces individuality, and encourages diversity in all ways, especially of thought, and the program gave me a taste of that culture.”  

How did TAAP prepare you for transitioning into a full-time Sourcing role?

“TAAP gave me the tools that I needed to succeed through learning sessions, mock exercises, connecting us with amazing mentors and seasoned co-workers to guide us, and training us how to think like Sourcers overall. Every role opening that we source for is different, so by providing diverse insight and perspective, the program really prepared us to figure out the roles assigned and create our own unique processes that work best for us.”

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in joining TAAP? 

“TAAP is a life-changing opportunity. And it’s best done when there’s heart and purpose attached to it; especially here at Uber. TAAP is a fast-track training that will give anyone with any background the opportunity to learn this unique skill set. However, the fuel for success comes from within you and how aligned you feel to the work and Uber’s strong values. When that fire inside is matched with such a thoughtful and impactful program like TAAP, it can truly be next level.”

Calvin Lee
Senior University Recruiter
Former Recruiting Coordinator

Why did you join TAAP?

“I joined TAAP to further develop and progress my career in Talent Acquisition. I previously worked as a Recruiting Coordinator for a large tech company, small FinTech company, and finally Uber. TAAP gave me the opportunity to learn Sourcing on a more strategic and technical level. I was going back and forth between either going for a Campus Recruiting role and TAAP, and I felt doing TAAP first would give me the experience and technical skills to do my role better whether I ended up back in University Talent Acquisition or not.”

Tell us about your experience in the program.

“My experience was amazing! Although COVID-19 hit right as we were about to start and there was much uncertainty, the TAAP team did an awesome job helping the cohort bond and supporting us throughout the program. We were provided mentors that guided us through the process and although we were remote, a lot of us bonded over the experience. I can genuinely say that a lot of us are friends today. Having been at Uber as a coordinator, I knew the culture was supportive in our growth. Joining TAAP was a life-changing experience for my career.”

How did TAAP prepare you for transitioning into a full-time Sourcing role?

“As a Recruiting Coordinator, I had a lot of visibility into the world of Talent Acquisition. So for me, reaching out and shadowing Sourcers that I knew was my first step into gaining some exposure into the field. I had a supportive manager as a Talent Coordinator, and she helped me find opportunities to source on my own for some roles. I think putting myself out there and gaining that experience set me up for success in fully transitioning to a Sourcer.”

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in joining TAAP? 

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions and fail. I definitely set my ego aside throughout the process knowing that there would be things that would take a while to grasp. Also, create relationships with people in your cohort because they can be lasting friendships and relationships you’ll have long past the program. Something I always reminded myself was that I was making a big pivot to make my career progress faster.”

Binti Thakkar
D&I Sourcer 
Former Director of Finance and Human Resources

Why did you join TAAP?

“It was an amazing opportunity for me to learn a new skill set in the Talent Acquisition space! In my previous role, I was a Director of Finance and Human Resources, focusing on Total Rewards and Financials. I had a love for Talent Acquisition and my role at the time didn’t have enough opportunity for me to focus my efforts in this space. During the pandemic, I spent time getting Human Resources certified and this role really spoke to what I wanted to do, which was work with people and help with their career growth. The fact I could help people find a role that supports their career dreams made me so excited! So I joined because I can impact people’s lives!”

Tell us about your experience in the program.

“This program was amazing! I learned so much about myself. It made me realize that I was really supported to grow my career here. I had multiple mentors who helped me grow into my passions. Our TAAP leaders supported my passion in the D&I sector and after graduation I became part of the D&I sourcing team and was able to grow within this space.”

How did TAAP prepare you for transitioning into a full-time Sourcing role?

“TAAP provided me with great information and skills I never knew existed. I finally figured out what sourcing truly is about and how much impact it makes at a company. It also provided me with mentors who helped me every step of the way. The weekly resume reviews were super helpful and knowing that I can lean on my team and grow together.”

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in joining TAAP? 

“Life is about taking risks! If something scares you, that means you need to lean in and try it. Going from a director at my previous company to a Sourcer was a big change, but it was the best decision of my life. I am now doing work that is impactful in the D&I sourcing space and I am able to change someone’s life with an opportunity! If you have an interest but you are not sure, I say jump in! This opportunity can open many doors for you.”

Tomiwa Akinbayo
Talent Acquisition Sourcer, Engineering
Former member of the United States Army

Why did you join TAAP?

“As someone who was looking for a career change, I saw TAAP as a great opportunity to join the Talent Acquisition industry. It’s a program that allowed me to translate the skills obtained from my military career into helping people follow their career goals. From my first interview, I could see that the culture at Uber was great and I was eager to become a part of that.”

Tell us about your experience in the program.

“I honestly don’t think I could have asked for a better experience. I was impressed with the curriculum and thankful for the support we received. There is so much support and everyone I’ve come across in this program is willing to help. Having members from previous TAAP cohorts involved in the program was also great. They made themselves available and I’m very thankful for that.”

How did TAAP prepare you for transitioning into a full-time Sourcing role?

“The training I received in TAAP helped me hit the ground running. There have been very little to no roadblocks in my transition to full-time sourcing. We were trained on all the systems and technology we need to be great Sourcers. We were exposed to many different lines of businesses within Uber and that helped in becoming well-rounded Sourcers.”

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in joining TAAP? 

“Go get it! If you’re like me and sometimes doubt yourself or your abilities, this program will bring out the best in you. I mean that sincerely. Come ready to learn and it can be a life-changing experience.” 

Interested in joining? Learn more about TAAP and apply to our Amsterdam Program →