Make it in the North

📈 MAKE IT IN THE NORTH 2023 SUMMARY IS HERE 🎉

If you are seeing this, it probably means you made it to our yearly statistics!

How has this year been for you? Have you made it in the North in 2023?

NOVEMBER EVENT REPORT: PROMOTION DAYS & INNOVATE FRIESLAND

This month has been quite busy for us; participated in two big career & information events!

First up, on the 7&8th of November, we were at the Promotiedagen. We had a guided tour, CV Critique, and also an info session on “How to Network to Find a Job in the Northern Netherlands”. It was so exciting to meet and talk to so many of you who’d like to discover job opportunities in here in the North!

At the Promotiedagen, we met companies that hire internationals, and some of them are: CBEE Remarkable, Enshore, Bollegraaf and Lubo Recycling Solutions, Tesla, Belieff, Engineero, GETEC Group, Hacksclusive, Jan de Jong Verhuizingen, Lubbers Logistics Group, VDL Wientjes Emmen B.V., VDL Wientjes Roden B.V., and more. So if you're looking for a job in the North, be it part-time or full-time, be sure to check them out!

Secondly, we were at Innovate Friesland on the 15th of November. We met so many students in Leeuwarden who are eager to find an internship in the Northern Netherlands!

Special thanks to the event organizer Founded in Friesland, BeStart, Innofest Nederland, University of Twente, Campus Fryslân - University of Groningen, WRK.frl/, and Circulair Friesland.

HOW TO LOOK FOR A(N) (RESEARCH) INTERNSHIP

Are you an international student looking to kickstart your career with an internship opportunity? Join us for an exclusive information session at Innovate Friesland where we will share tips and tricks to find the perfect internship in the Northern Netherlands.

📅 When: Wednesday, 15th of November 2023
⏰ Time: 15:00 - 15:45
📍 Location: de Kanselarij (Turfmarkt 11), Leeuwarden

Sign up now! 👉🏼 https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/events/how-to-look-for-a-research-internship-or-job-in-the-north/

(This is a physical information session, and it is unfortunately not possible to attend online)

EVENT: WORKING IN GRONINGEN HOSPITALITY

Thinking of getting a job in Northern Dutch hospitality establishments? Be sure to attend this event!

At this event, we are going to discuss:
👉🏼 What the Groningen hospitality industry is like and what to expect
👉🏼 What type of jobs there are and where to look for them
👉🏼 How to apply for a job
👉🏼 What to pay attention to and your rights as a hospitality employee

Working in hospitality can be a rewarding experience. And it is actually quite common to have a side job next to your study. But if you’re new in Groningen, then it is understandable that you might need some pointers.

Make it in the North will be presenting at Horeca Xperience 2023 about everything an international need to know about working in hospitality in Groningen.

This whole event itself is about experiencing Groningen hospitality industry. So there will be cooking competition, seminars, tasting sessions, and more. The event is paid, but if you’d like to attend our session, then you can get a voucher code to get the ticket for free (to attend the whole event!).

Be sure to sign up now! 👉🏼 https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/events/working-in-groningen-hospitality-horeca-xperience-2023/

(The voucher code will be sent to your email 1 week before the event)

CAREER EVENT & MASTERCLASSES: INNOVATE FRIESLAND

Innovate Friesland is back and bigger than ever. Together with eight partners, we are bringing together the Frisian and Northern Netherlands network for an afternoon of exciting sessions and networking moments.

Innovate Friesland is the overarching event for you as a startup ecosystem fanatic: whether you are a student, work for a startup or public organisation or, above all, are interested in innovation.

Will we see you at the Chancellery on 15 November?

👉🏼 Book your ticket at https://innovatefriesland.eventbrite.nl!

This event is organized by Founded in Friesland, BeStart, Innofest, University of Twente (location Leeuwarden), Circular Friesland, Campus Fryslân, WRK.frl/ and Make it in the North.

MAKE IT IN THE NORTH EVENT: CAREER IN THE NORTH 101

Are you an international student who:
🧑🏻‍🍳 Wants to find a side job
💼 Thinking of working full-time in the Netherlands after graduation
🧑🏻‍💻 Want to explore the freedom of freelancing
.but you don't know where to start yet? We've got you covered!

Career in the North 101 is the perfect event to find out everything you need to know about working in Groningen, Friesland, or Drenthe.

We'll cover not just about your career opportunities after you graduate, but also about getting a side job and freelance work. We'll also discuss your rights to work based on your residence permit.

🗓 Wednesday, 4th of October, 15:00-17:00
📍 Harm Buiterplein 1, Groningen
(Gemeente Groningen building near Station Europapark - NOT the ones near Martini Tower or the City Center)

We have limited spots, so be sure to secure your place today.

Visit our website now to sign up! 👇🏼
https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/events/career-in-the-north-101/

NEW! FREE 1-ON-1 JOB HUNT ADVICE 💼📑

Starting your job hunting soon but think that you could use some pointers? ‘Fret not, job hunting can be intimidating, especially if you’re a starter, and it’s even more daunting if you feel like your lack of Dutch skills is holding you back.

Sign up for this session and we'll sit down together with you and tackle the major obstacles in your job hunt in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe.

👉🏼 Lack of network in the Dutch North? We'll discuss how to get into your sector's network.
👉🏼 Lack of work experience? We'll discuss how we can make your CV look good.
👉🏼 Lack of job hunting experience? We'll give you tips & tricks about how to go about it.

Sign up for this free 1-on-1 in person/online (depending on your preference) today! 👇🏼
https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/events/job-hunt-advice/

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: TETRA PAK 🧃🌱

Looking to work at a company that actually cares about your well-being and work-life balance? Look no further than Tetra Pak. This company was founded in Sweden and has a branch in Heerenveen, Friesland.

The company is well-known for embracing its international workforce and for its efforts to make them feel welcome in the Northern Netherlands. In addition, they also offer moving compensation and permit sponsorship. So this is definitely a company to check out for Non-EU residents!

Make It in The North interviewed Tiny Post, Tetra Pak HR Representative, where she elaborates further on what a working culture Tetra Pak has, and what impression that she has been receiving from her international colleagues about working in the company.

Check out available jobs at Tetra Pak 👉🏼 https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/companies/tetra-pak/

Read the full article 👉🏼 https://northerntimes.nl/from-food-to-its-employees-tetra-pak-is-focused-on-protecting-whats-good/

BUSINESS LUNCH TALK: WALTER MORRIËN (DE KOFFIEJONGENS) ☕️

Do you want to learn from the most ambitious and inspiring top entrepreneurs during a FREE lunch? Walter Morriën, founder of De Koffiejongens, will be speaking at the Business Lunch Talk in NHL Stenden Leeuwarden.

🗓 Thursday, 14th of September, 12:00 - 13:00
📍 NHL Stenden Leeuwarden (R10), in 'the Pit' next to the canteen
🎓 This event is only for students or recent graduates

Sign up now! 👉🏼 https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/events/business-lunch-talk/

This event is organized by Founded in Friesland

MADE IT IN THE NORTH: LAURA DEMARKI

Laura worked as a Project Coordinator at Turner & Townsend, a consultancy firm, and seconded to Google in Eemshaven.

Laura said she experienced difficulties in finding a job after she graduated, and she knows many of her fellow students also experienced the same. In the end, she found her current colleagues when she was working at The Dog’s Bo****ks, a nice little cozy pub in Groningen.

In terms of finding a job, her main advice is to have a really good network as you never know what kind of opportunities will show up.

Read her full interviews on northerntimes.nl

Potato ice cream? 🥔🍨

You might think it’s another wacky concoction of Heston Blumenthal, but it’s actually a fruit of the mind of researchers at Avebe.

Perfectasol™ is a natural texturizer for plant-based cream products. According to Avebe, this ingredient will help any plant-based ice cream have the same delicious creaminess, flavours, and silkiness as the dairy counterparts. 🌿

Read more about this smooth invention here 🍦👇🏼
https://economie.groningen.nl/nieuws/avebe-lanceert-plantaardig-ijs-op-basis-van-aardappel

Check out available jobs at Avebe 💼:
https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/companies/avebe/

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”, is one of the beliefs at Royal Van Wijhe Verf.

At the fundamental Research & Development location of this company in Groningen, students can work together with the company on the development of sustainable, innovative raw materials and additives for applications within and outside the paint industry.

“We regularly have interns walking around here in Groningen, for example a chemist from the University of Groningen or an intern from the Institute for Life Sciences & Technology at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, but also from vocational education,” says Ron Hulst.

Ron Hulst himself was once a PhD candidate of Ben Feringa and partly because of this, he has many connections in the field. “It is nice that there is an accessible and reliable network on the Zernike Campus so that the students know where to find us. And it is nice for the students that they directly contribute to making our projects successful at Royal Van Wijhe Verf.”

Read the full interview here 👉🏼 https://campus.groningen.nl/en/place-to-be/place-to-make-impact-koninklijke-van-wijhe-verf

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: HOUSEWOOD 🏡🪵

Housewood is one of the newer companies on the block but it’s not letting that get in the way of its big ambitions. It also wants to make the world a better place by selling wood.

Read our interview with Tymen Boon, the company founder 👇🏼. He’s looking into hiring more internationals, by the way. So be sure to also check out the company profile and job vacancies on our website!

And yes, they also welcome open applications! So if you want to join the movement for sustainable construction, be sure to reach out. 🌿

Jobs at Housewood 👉🏼 https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/this-dutch-company-wants-to-make-the-world-better-through-selling-wood/

Cardboard plates and cups, electric golf carts, an ever-increasing vegetarian range, and producing as little waste as possible. The actions that the UMCG is taking to become more sustainable are obvious.

But if it's up to Vera Knapen, a communication student at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, things could go even faster. A sprint, instead of steps. “With my graduation internship at Sustainable UMCG, I can boost the greening of our activities even more. Incredibly valuable!”

Read the full article here 👉🏼 https://campus.groningen.nl/en/place-to-be/place-to-make-impact-het-groene-hart-van-het-umcg

They talk chemistry, breathe chemistry, and feel chemistry. Like they never did anything else. Augustinas Kulbickas, Kirsten van der Zee, and Anne Bokma all work at Symeres, a 'Contract Research Organization' on Campus Groningen that helps with drug discovery and development.

“Sometimes you realize, that you are working on something bigger,” says Kirsten, “and that you really contribute to people's health.”

Read the full article here: https://campus.groningen.nl/en/place-to-be/het-is-een-beetje-als-koken-symeres

🌳 Lace up your running shoes and join Groningen at Campus Trail 2023! 🏃‍♀️🌿

📅 Save the date: Friday, 15th of September 2023
⏰ Time: Starts at 15:30
📍 Location: Zernike Campus Groningen (Zernikepark 16)

Explore your new campus in a unique way (and maybe bring your new fellow students along?) and experience the thrill of running through the Zernike campus.

Register now! 👉🏼🏃‍♀️ https://campus.groningen.nl/en/campus-trail-2023

''A lot of responsibility and freedom, that is what I want in my work.'' Marleen Kalk discovered this during her internship at Detact Diagnostics on Campus Groningen.

There are a lot of opportunities for young people with ambition on Campus Groningen, as Marleen also noticed. ''Don’t wait for your teacher for great internship opportunities. Show initiative. Just send an e-mail to companies yourself. I did that too. As a result, I could even choose from different internships,'' she laughs.

Read the full interview here 👉🏼 https://campus.groningen.nl/en/place-to-be/place-to-grow-detact-diagnostics

Ready for an Exciting Career in Friesland's Startup Scene? 🚀

Calling all jobseekers! If you're passionate about making a difference and want to be part of an innovative startup, then expand your search to Friesland! 🌱

Explore our website’s dedicated page to discover incredible opportunities awaiting you in Frisian start-ups, where the province is specializing in:

🌊 Water Technology: Solve Global Challenges and Innovate
🌾 Agrifood Revolution: Shape the Future of Farming
⚙️ Shape Tomorrow’s Tech Scene with HTSM (High Tech System & Materials)

Discover some of the great opportunities waiting for you in Frisian start-ups now! 👇🏼
https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/startup-jobs-in-friesland/

Who says you have to be in the West or South of the Netherlands to kickstart your career? That you can only find your dream job there? Guus Konings knows better.

He exchanged 'his' Rotterdam for the northern Netherlands. On Campus Groningen, he found an internship at Bytesnet, a regional company that offers national data center solutions and data services.

“Well, if you get the chance to work in the most beautiful data center in the Netherlands, then you have to take that chance..”

Read the full article here 👉🏼 https://campus.groningen.nl/en/place-to-be/je-weet-gewoon-hier-gebeurt-megaveel-bytesnet

“Groningen has a lot to offer,” said Steven Vugteveen, Software Engineer at Demcon

Before Steven came into contact with Demcon, he was looking for an internship in the region. And he was glad that he found an internship in Groningen as he could cycle to his workplace.

“The reason Demcon is on Campus Groningen is precisely to be close to the university and the talent of the future”. Steven now works full-time for Demcon.

“My tip for students is: Go out. Talk to people and visit an ‘open day’. Then you find out that the North has a lot to offer!”.

Read the full article at campusgroningen.nl

⬆️ WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE AN OPTIMIZED LINKEDIN PROFILE

LinkedIn is probably one of the most important tools that you need to have when looking for a job in the Netherlands.

It is also widely used by recruiters and headhunters looking to recruit promising talent for their companies. So it would be a miss if you don't have a profile that really showcase you, and your experience & skills!

Curious about how to create an optimized LinkedIn profile? Look no further!

Our latest article is all about unlocking the power of LinkedIn and why it's crucial for jobseekers in the Northern Netherlands Netherlands to have a strong profile.

Discover the key steps to crafting a compelling LinkedIn presence and how it can boost your career prospects.

Swipe to see the full post, and check out the full article:
https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/create-a-linkedin-profile/

Hey there, jobseekers! Are you looking for a job that makes a real difference in the world?

If so, we've got just the thing for you! Our upcoming job fair is all about connecting you with innovative companies that are making a positive impact on the world.

Come and join us at Innovate Friesland Job Fair in Leeuwarden on May 24 and find exciting opportunities for startup and scale-up jobs, meet like-minded people, gain valuable experience and connect with innovative and sustainable employers.

We will have a stand there. So if you have any questions about looking for a job as an international, be sure to visit us and maybe grab one of our famous stroopwaffel. 🍪

Will we see you there? Register for free now 👉🏼 https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/tickets-innovate-friesland-611150085357

Do you keep sending your CV but for some reason, it does not get you through the next stage?

Check out these 6 golden rules written by Boost CV, our CV-expert service partner.

The article where these golden rules were published still contains more helpful tips to help you craft a winning CV!

Read the full article here: https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/how-to-write-a-cv-full-guide/

Are you ready to take your CV to the next steps? Book a free 1-on-1 online consult with Boost CV now: https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/events/cv-critique/

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: THE DJ COMPANY

The DJ Company is looking for you! Want to know more?��We interviewed T***e and Yme from The DJ Company to find out the idea behind their unique platform, their company culture, and just what kind of person they are looking for.��

They are especially interested in hiring international students. So be sure to swipety swipe to read the full interview.��!

And don’t forget to check out The DJ Company (and their available job vacancies 👀) 👉🏼 https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/companies/the-dj-company/

��

Have you found a job in the Northern Netherlands (Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe)? Then we’d love to hear from you!

Every year, thousands of international job seekers are looking to find a job in the Northern Netherlands. They (and we) want to hear your career story as an inspiration.

Your story will be posted as a source of inspiration, so you can share whatever you want; what you love, what could be better, and maybe some tips and tricks to help international job seekers out there who are currently looking into making it in the North like you!

Doesn’t matter what you do (be it a part-time or full-time job, maybe an internship or traineeship). It also does not matter where you work; hospitality, construction, medicine, marketing, etc. We want to hear it all!

Sign up for a short interview with us, and we will give you a free awesome headshot that you can use for your CV or LinkedIn page.

👉🏼 Sign up now: https://www.makeitinthenorth.nl/events/tell-us-your-career-story/

In this form, you can indicate on what day are you generally available. And we will be in touch with more details via email. The deadline for signing up is Friday, April 21st at 17:00.

Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The form may be closed before the deadline if we reach full capacity before this date.

JOB BORREL: MEET YOUR FUTURE (PART-TIME) EMPLOYERS 🍻

Are you thinking of joining the hospitality industry (either part-time or full-time) but worried that you might not be a match with the employer?

Then be sure to come to this job borrel!
“Borrel” means ”drinks" in Dutch, which often happens in a professional context as a great, informal way to get to know people.

At this event, you will get to meet great hospitality employers who are looking for new talents to strengthen their teams. In addition, many of these employers are willing to train you on the job, so no prior experience is required.��

The event will take place throughout the Northern Netherlands; Groningen, Veendam, Assen, and Delfzijl, so you can just pick the area where you prefer to work.��

Sign up now! 👉🏼 bit.ly/3lxG3EJ

This event is made possible by (among many others) Kansrijk Beroep , UWV , Werk In Zicht, Horecagroningen.nl, Gemeente Groningen, Gemeente Eemsdelta, The Market Hotel (WestCord Hotels), Borgerswoldhoeve, Warenhuis Vanderveen Assen, Het Lokaal Delfzijl��

EVENT REPORT: MEET YOUR FUTURE IN SUSTAINABILITY 🌳🌿

Last Thursday, along with our organizing partners, we held a Meet Your Future in Sustainability at the New Energy Academy.

The event was attended by 250+ jobseekers and 50+ companies, and it was a success!

Curious about what it was like? Here are some moments from the events, be sure to check them out!

Pictures are snapped by our very own Julia Dumchenko

Special shoutout to Hanzehogeschool Groningen New Energy Coalition, Stichting OTP, Gemeente Groningen, and Enterprise Europe Network for the solid teamwork. 💪🏼

And a special thank you to International Welcome Center North - IWCN, RUG Green Office, Triade, and Water Alliance for the outstanding support! 🙌🏼

📰 NEWS: ARE YOU FACING DISCRIMINATION AT YOUR PART-TIME JOB? HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO.

“There are approximately 10,000 international students enrolled at the RUG or Hanze in Groningen, and more than 800 hospitality establishments. But every personal story of mistreatment, especially when motivated by discrimination, is one too many.”

While many hospitality establishments in Groningen turn out to be great and solid places for a part-time job, sadly, there are some enterprises who did not treat their international employees with the same level of respect.

Sikkom and Ukrant published a report that shows more than two-thirds of their 154 survey respondents experienced some form of exploitation and discrimination in the hospitality sector (including food deliveries) in Groningen.

While the Dutch version of the report included tips from the Night Council (nachtraad) on what you can do, and where to file a report when you face discrimination, unfortunately, the English version of the news does not.

So we found this news by The Northern Times which directs you to understand your labor rights, rules for employer conduct in the Netherlands, and laws regarding withheld wages from the Dutch national government.

The article also mentioned where you can seek (free and subsidized) legal help, and a hotline where you can file a report.

Read the full news here 👇🏼:
https://northerntimes.nl/groningen-politicians-call-for-action-against-discrimination-in-hospitality-industry/ #:~:text=What%20to%20do,Discrimination%C2%A0Hotline%20Groningen)

Do you have work experience in the Life Science field and now looking into growing your career in Groningen?

Well, Groningen is also looking for you! Visit economie.groningen.nl and read more about the flourishing life science field in Groningen ✨🔬

TNW: Why US-based Unicorn HackerOne Keeps Their Dev Team in Groningen

HackerOne is a bug bounty-hunting platform that enables companies to enlist the help of ethical hackers across the globe to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities and digital attacks. In 2022, the company reached its unicorn status, and has collected big names such as Nintendo, AT&T, HYATT Hotels, and General Motors within its client portfolio.

Jobert Abma and Michiel Prins were students at the Hanzehogeschool Groningen when they took a major gamble; hacking 100 companies they’d like to work for - including Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, and Uber.

But the intention of the hack might not be what you’re expecting. They wanted to show these companies that they can identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities in the companies’ systems which could cost companies an average of $4.35 million.

While the founders now live in San Fransisco, over 50% of their engineering and product design team are still based in Groningen.

But why? Why stay in this Northern Dutch city when they already set foot in Silicon Valley? And why not move to Amsterdam - which has a bigger name as a global tech powerhouse?

Read the full article here 👉🏼 https://thenextweb.com/news/why-us-based-unicorn-hackerone-keeps-their-dev-team-in-groningen

MADE IT IN THE NORTH: RICHARD RUSHBY

Richard Rushby is the COO/CMO and Co-founder of SG Papertronics. He co-founded the company along with his colleague whom he met at one of the .north weekends.

According to Richard, starting his business in the Northern Netherlands has really helped SG Papertronics to grow. He mentioned that all of the company’s investors are specific to the region, their angel investment round came from RUG Ventures and NV NOM.

Being in Groningen also enables him to file a patent via , and connect with many communities such as , Life Cooperative Communities, , , and Innolab Community.

He stresses the importance of having the right people for his company. And he managed to find the best talent and build his team with Make It in The North!

Swipe on to see his stories about building a business in the Northern Netherlands, and check out his advice for startups out there who are currently looking into ‘making it in the north’!

Read the full interview via the link in our bio!

TNW: Why Groningen is The Coolest Tech City You’ve Never Heard Of

Many people might think Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ startup capital and a global tech powerhouse. However, Groningen is quickly becoming a favorite choice for more internationals to start their business in the country.

“Known as the country’s “capital of the north,” Groningen is a thousand-year-old city with a thriving student population thanks to its universities. This plethora of young, international talent, ground breaking research, and the presence of corporate powerhouses like IBM and Google, make Groningen’s tech scene one to watch.”

Groningen is also a home to successful startups like EV Biotech, Parkos, VoysTelecom, and Klippa, among many others.

Read TNW’s full article here! 👉🏼 https://thenextweb.com/news/why-groningen-is-the-coolest-tech-city-youve-never-heard-of

Made It in The North: Ali Syar’iati

Ali was a student from Indonesia. Back then, had the impression that jobs at big high-tech companies are only available in the southern part of the country.

Today, he works as a Product Marketeer at Photonis Netherlands in Drachten.

Innovatiecluster Drachten interviewed Ali to find out his stories and ask for some tips for people who are currently looking for a job in the Northern Netherlands.

Watch the full interview video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtDrgscblXw

Looking for a job in the region Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe?
👉🏼 Visit: makeitinthenorth.nl

Video and interview by Innovatiecluster Drachten

EVENT REPORT: PHD DAY & HANZE’S WELCOME DAY

Last Friday, we were at two different locations: PhD Day at MartiniPlaza and Hanze’s Welcome Day at Van Olst Toren.

We were there also on behalf of International Groningen, which is an umbrella of organisations in Groningen with a mission to provide support for internationals in Groningen.

We talked to many ambitious PhDs who were exploring career opportunities outside of academia, and new students who are excited to start their life in Groningen. 🙌🏼

Thank you for PhD Day and Hanzehogeschool Groningen for having us!

Do you have any questions about finding a job in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe? Hit us up in the DM!

Are you an international and looking for information and life tips? Check out internationalgroningen.nl 🖤