Understanding the Dutch labour market

The University of Amsterdam offers all of its international students a workshop that explains the Dutch labour market. Take part and get a head start on your graduate career in the Netherlands.
 

ITEA

The International Talent Event Amsterdam (ITEA) is a unique opportunity to meet employers, gain insight into the international labour market in Amsterdam, build your network and propel yourself into your future career.

Although you can speak English with virtually everyone in Holland, learning Dutch helps you to get to know the country and its culture on a deeper level.

Additionally, when looking for an internship, volunteer work or a (part-time) job, knowing Dutch is useful – sometimes it is even a requirement. Even if you start your career in an international company elsewhere, having foreign language skills is always a benefit.

There are several opportunities at the University of Amsterdam to improve your Dutch. Have a look at your options and decide what works best for you.

 A career in the Netherlands

If you are interested in a career in the Netherlands, you can find a lot of valuable information, workshops and even possible contacts via the Holland Alumni Network. Among other things, you can read up on the Dutch business culture and recruitment principles, as well as salary and taxation.

For international students, we offer a special programme that familiarises you with the Dutch work culture and teaches you important, specific skills that you need for a career in this country. Read the folder about the programme and keep an eye on our workshops and events calendar for Going Dutch.

If you are a student from a non-EU/EEA country, you’ll face some strict rules if you want to work here during your studies. Please familiarise yourself with the restrictions specific to you.

Visit bars, restaurants or retail stores

This may be the easiest way to find a student job in The Netherlands. Just enter a bar, restaurant or store and ask if they can use some extra help. Especially in big cities like Amsterdam it's not always necessary to speak Dutch if you want to work at a bar, café, restaurant or shop.

Employment agencies

Employment agencies have access to many vacancies. If you don’t speak Dutch, the recruitment website Undutchables may help you find the perfect job. You can also visit an employment agency like Randstad, YoungCapital or Tempo Team. Even though their websites are in Dutch, they do service non-Dutch speakers.

Working after graduation

After graduating from the UvA, international students can stay in the Netherlands to find a job. There are, of course, rules and regulations that you have to keep in mind.

If your study schedule allows it, you might be interested in a part-time job. Before you start looking, please read up on the UvA’s information on work permits. There is a maximum number of hours you are allowed to work as a non-EU student without a work permit. Do not exceed this, or the authorities will consider your residence permit invalid!

Visit bars, restaurants or retail stores

This may be the easiest way to find a student job in The Netherlands. Just enter a bar, restaurant or store and ask if they can use some extra help. Especially in big cities like Amsterdam it's not always necessary to speak Dutch if you want to work at a bar, café, restaurant or shop.

Employment agencies

Employment agencies have access to many vacancies. If you don’t speak Dutch, the recruitment websites Undutchables, Adams Recruitment, Blue Lynx, Walters People and Together abroad may help you find the perfect job. You can also visit an employment agency like Randstad, YoungCapital or Tempo Team. Even though their websites are in Dutch, they do service non-Dutch speakers.

If you want to find out what kind of internships you can do, have a look at our detailed internship page. You should also check the UvA’s page on work and internships for international students, and the additional requirements for non-EU/EEA students.

Where did previous international students do their internships?

International Student Network Amsterdam

Each semester, the University of Amsterdam welcomes over a thousand international students like you to Amsterdam. The International Student Network Amsterdam (ISN Amsterdam) helps you make the most out of your exchange by organising cultural and social activities.
 

Find a mentor through UvAconnect.nl

Through the Mentoring Light programme, the Economics and Business Career Centre offers you the opportunity to ask career related questions to an alumnus with the same background. It’s the perfect way to help crystallise your ambitions and get a clearer picture of a job or company that interests you. The Mentoring Light programme is available through Uvaconnect.nl, an online platform exclusively for alumni of UvA Economics and Business.

The Orientation Year permit is a 1-year permit that allows recent graduates to live and work in the Netherlands without a permit for 1 year. Read more about this opportunity on UvA’s information page.