Working in the Netherlands After Your Studies

As I come to the end of my Master’s program at the University of Amsterdam, my focus turns to the daunting task of the job search. Job hunting is never easy,but for expats, it becomes even more difficult. Not only do we need to convince a company that they should hire us, but that they should also fund our visa to stay in the country. As expats, what do the chances look like for us to find jobs and continue the stay in the Netherlands?

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