In today’s job market, more young professionals are taking their careers a step further by moving abroad, including Giulia (from Italy) and Derev (from Turkey). Both moved to the Netherlands to start their financial careers at one of the largest banks in the country through Young Financials. Curious about their motivations, challenges, and experiences adapting to Dutch work culture? Keep reading!
Why did you choose to move to the Netherlands?
Both Giulia and Derev wanted to gain international experience and explore new career paths. For Giulia, the Dutch work environment was appealing; she saw the Netherlands as an ideal place to grow professionally and improve her English. “The main reasons I decided to move to the Netherlands were to gain new experiences in a different country and to benefit from the Netherlands’ reputation for strong career mobility, especially for young professionals. This is one of the biggest challenges in my home country, Italy. Moving here has given me the chance to grow professionally and improve my English as well!“.
Derev decided to move to the Netherlands for both work and personal reasons. “During an exchange here, I felt at home, and the education system was good, so I decided to return for my Master’s. After finishing my degree, I wanted to experience the Dutch work culture, which is very different from Turkey’s. I wanted to work in an environment where respect in the workplace is prioritized and to experience those cultural differences firsthand.”
What factors influenced your decision to move?
While Derev had long anticipated a move abroad, Giulia initially felt uncertain due to family connections and the unfamiliarity of living outside Italy. “In the beginning, I had some doubts since I had always lived in Italy. It was hard to decide to move, especially with my family and friends still there. But then I realized that this was the right time to make the move—while I’m young and have the flexibility to do it.”
Their experiences have largely aligned with their expectations. Giulia noted the innovative structure at ABN AMRO, where a focus on mentorship and internal mobility fosters professional growth. “In the Netherlands, there are possibilities like internal mobility and having a mentor to support you if you want to switch teams or departments. In Italy, this isn’t possible—you’d be sitting in the same place every day for your entire career.”
What challenges did you face in finding a job, and how did you overcome them?
Despite their qualifications, both Giulia and Derev encountered challenges in the job market as non-Dutch speakers. For Derev, the language barrier was particularly challenging. “I started looking for a job, but it was really difficult because I don’t speak Dutch. … I kept getting rejections because of the language barrier. They would say I was a good fit, but not speaking Dutch was always a problem”. Both professionals found support through Young Financials. “Young Financials guided us through the application process and helped us navigate cultural differences in interviews.”
How was it for you to adapt to the Dutch workplace culture?
One of the main adjustments was the direct communication style of Dutch colleagues. Giulia initially found it surprising, but now appreciates it: “One of the positives is that Dutch people are very direct. If they want or need something, they just say it. I had to get used to it, but it’s much better now.” Both young professionals were also impressed by the Dutch focus on work-life balance. “In Turkey, it’s common to work overtime without additional pay. Here, I was encouraged to log off on time.”
Giulia added that the collaborative nature of Dutch workplaces was another positive difference: “I also think there’s more collaboration among colleagues here. For example, when we had a deadline, a colleague offered to finish my work so I could take care of other tasks.”
What advice do you have for other Young International Professionals?
For young professionals considering a move to the Netherlands or any other country, Giulia advises them to go for the challenge. “Just be brave and take the chance. Remember, you can always come back home—your home will always be there. So why not go for it?”
Derev highlighted the need to stay determined, especially for non-EU citizens. “Perhaps it’s even more challenging for non-Europeans, but don’t give up when applying. Many people feel discouraged and say they can’t find anything, but if you give up, you’ll never find it. Yes, you’re in a new country, and Dutch candidates may have priority, but that doesn’t mean you should stop applying. Keep going and apply for as many opportunities as you can.”
Are you ready to take the next step in your career like Giulia and Derev? We’re here to help! At Young Financials, we connect talented young professionals with job opportunities in the Dutch financial sector. Take a look at our vacancies, apply now, or get in touch with us via recruitment@youngfinancials.com to learn more!
