Working in the Netherlands After Your Studies
First, a little good news. By being associated with a local university and living in the country, your chances already become better. Not only will it make it easier for in-person interviews but universities have wonderful resources for finding jobs after graduation. Between the career services and alumni associations, finding work becomes slightly easier. More good news comes with the orientation year visa that can be acquired after your student visa is no longer viable. This allows a one-year stay after graduation in order to find work, and allows you to work temporarily while on it.
The best way to ensure employment after graduation is to start the search early. Several months out is the best time to start firing off CVs, stalking LinkedIn profiles, and buddying up to alumni.Unfortunately, smaller companies may have difficulties funding the large fee required to host a highly skilled worker like an expat, so searching for positions in companies like these may not be feasible. The best options are the larger, well-known companies such as Heineken and Shell that host several expats and can afford to do so. You can find these companies easier through expat job fairs or through career services at the university.
As expats know, we did not choose the easy life deciding to post up in foreign country, so difficulties should be expected. The job search is no different. While schooling does not necessarily count as valid work experience, the school can usually be a beneficial asset in finding that next step. Starting early and ensuring you are set up for the correct visa after graduation are the two most important things to remember when it comes time to start the search. As for me, the search has already begun, and while there is still much to do, my hopes are high. Good luck in your own endeavors!
Ashley Herbert
Our Career programs assist you to Get hired
For an expat moving to the Netherlands, getting the right direction is very important. It's important that one knows which steps and direction to take. Linda is an exceptionally talent counselor, her advice has helped me land a job within a week of coming to the Netherlands. I am grateful for her mentoring and look forward to a great working relationship in the future.
Dr. Hrishiraj S | Clinical Research & Affairs Manager
Together Abroad provided expert advice on personal branding including developing a top-notch, market-aware CV, highly tailored job applications, and approach strategies with potential employers in the Netherlands. Furthermore, I found them be highly knowledgeable in key related fields such as recruitment strategy, immigration law, contracts, labor agreements, and (un)employment benefits. I would recommend Together Abroad to anyone who needs professional help with transitioning to a new career.
A. Aboufirass | Structural Engeer
Linda is a big mind. She thinks about things that the rest normally overlook. The insight she has about the dutch job market can only be achieved through years of experience and persistence.
Her business savvy is complemented by her mastery of understanding the client's needs and requirements. For my career I could say, she was the “Mary Poppins”, who guided me through thick and thin and helped me to land a career in the Netherlands
S. Bhattacharjee | FP&A Manager
Mr. C. Joubert
Lead Workplace Strategy Consultant