Studying and Working in the North of the Netherlands as an International
| Date: | 24 September 2024 |
| Author: | Erika Compatangelo |
Are you an international student considering studying in the Netherlands and worried about job prospects afterwards? Whether you're in the middle of your studies or have already graduated, are you wondering what the job search looks like next? So read on! Join Lea as she shares her journey through both her bachelor's and master's studies in Leeuwarden, her experience with job hunting, overcoming language barriers, and how she found her happy ending, or rather, a new beginning!
Can you share something about yourself and what initially attracted you to study in Leeuwarden?
My name is Lea, I’m 24, and I grew up in Hamburg, Germany. After high school, I decided to travel and explore the world and myself. During this period, I met many Dutch people and knew a friend from Germany who studied in Groningen. When COVID-19 hit, it sort of induced a moment of reflection. Initially, I considered going for psychology in Germany or the Netherlands. Until I found out about the Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL) programme at the University of Groningen.
At the time, I was somewhat familiar with sustainability but not deeply educated about it. I’m usually a very ‘structured’ person, meaning I tend to prefer clear and known plans. But being in an exploratory phase, I decided to take a chance on this less traditional option, which felt quite bold for me.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact your experience in Leeuwarden?
When I first moved to Leeuwarden in 2020, it was right in the middle of the pandemic. Fortunately, we were living together at Kanaalstraat, which definitely helped mitigate the loneliness. But I felt quite overwhelmed by the huge amount of information and global issues we were learning about in class. I also wondered how I could use this knowledge practically and find a job.
To avoid spiraling, I thought it wise to first just focus on my studies. I then came to the realization that while we couldn’t solve all the world’s problems from our classes, we could still make a meaningful impact.
What made you stay at Campus Fryslân for your master's studies?
After completing my bachelor’s, I planned to immediately continue with a master’s, and chose Sustainable Entrepreneurship (SE) at Campus Fryslân. I did so for several reasons: the supportive community on campus, the horizontal structure with minimal hierarchy, the interdisciplinarity, and the opportunity to interact informally within the faculty. The approach to learning was also unique and quite refreshing compared to my friends’ experiences in Germany. Plus, I liked Leeuwarden and personally preferred it over Groningen for its smaller size and less overwhelming atmosphere.
❝I did so for several reasons: the supportive community on campus, the horizontal structure with minimal hierarchy, the interdisciplinarity, and the opportunity to interact informally within the faculty.❞
Some students are concerned about job prospects after graduation. Was it a worry you shared?
Yes, definitely. Before graduating in June, during the second half of my master’s, I struggled with uncertainty about my next steps. I considered pursuing another master’s but decided it was better to gain practical experience first. So I focused on finding positions where English was the primary language and built my network accordingly. I remember sending countless applications and feeling quite lost. That is why, at that point, I decided to stop doing that and focus on finalizing my thesis.
So, you graduated in June: What happened next? How did things unfold, and what steps did you take after that?
During my thesis defense, I spoke with the SE Programme Director, Dr. Emma Folmer, who mentioned a consultancy vacancy in Groningen that matched my interests. She had seen my "Open to Work" status on LinkedIn and thought I might be interested. Interestingly, another contact had also sent me the same job listing! Although the position required proficiency in both German and Dutch, and my Dutch was (and still is) not fluent, I decided to apply anyway. In my application, I was upfront about my language skills and my willingness to improve.
I was quite shocked when they contacted me and invited me for an interview! To be fair, though, the selection process was strict and included three rounds. They knew my Dutch was not perfect, so while the interview on their end was conducted in Dutch, I was free to switch to English whenever I struggled with vocabulary. I guess the company appreciated my honesty and commitment to work on my Dutch language skills, and they offered me the position!
❝They knew my Dutch was not perfect, so while the interview on their end was conducted in Dutch, I was free to switch to English whenever I struggled with vocabulary. I guess the company appreciated my honesty and commitment to work on my Dutch language skills, and they offered me the position!❞
I am starting this week as a Junior Consultant, working on various sustainability projects, which suits me perfectly as I enjoy exploring different aspects of the field. I see my versatility as an advantage in today’s job market, where career changes are more common and accepted than they used to be.
Why did you decide to stay in the North of the Netherlands instead of returning to Hamburg?
I decided to stay in the Netherlands because I enjoy living here and am not yet ready to return to Hamburg. While Hamburg is a beautiful city, I see myself returning only later in life. For now, I appreciate the open-mindedness and opportunities in the North of the Netherlands, particularly in sustainability. Although I was initially considering leaving Leeuwarden for something new, this job opportunity changed everything and gave me a reason to stay and enjoy the familiar environment, at least for the time ahead.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering one or both of the programmes you pursued?
For those considering studying GRL, I would say: trust the process and the programme. You might not know everything in detail, but that’s the idea: to have a broad understanding. Don’t stress too much and focus on enjoying your studies. If you maintain a positive attitude, grab the opportunities around you, and trust yourself, it will work out. Also, I think it is important to mention that the programme is really not just about being an activist in the streets, but about academically learning how to make change happen. This knowledge is what makes you versatile and able to engage with various fields such as economics, politics, and psychology.
❝If you maintain a positive attitude, grab the opportunities around you, and trust yourself, it will work out.❞
For those interested in SE, I say: it’s a great opportunity to apply your sustainability knowledge and learn practical skills! The programme provides structure and allows you to learn from a diverse group of peers. For me, it was definitely worth it!
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About the author
Ciao! My name is Erika and I am the Content & Data Management Specialist of Campus Fryslân. I was born and raised in Italy and have recently graduated from the MSc in Climate Adaptation Governance. I have been in charge of the blog and all its content since October 2023. My aim is to make this virtual space serve as a logbook for the Campus Fryslân community and as a welcoming introduction for all newcomers. Here, you will find stories from the people of Campus Fryslân to get a taste of what studying here is like and the exciting opportunities it comes with!