Finding a job in Groningen
Moving to a new country means that you are creating space for new opportunities, experiences and connections. The thrill of settling in can tend to override all the other logistical demands but that does not mean you have to give up on your excitement!
As one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, the Netherlands is home to a large expat community. One reason is because many Dutch cities are open to a diverse work culture. For instance, the northern region of the Netherlands is home to several local and international companies who are open to hiring expats - which brings us to Groningen!
To aid you in your job hunting process, we have carefully curated a short list of companies & industries in Groningen you might want to check out!
1. Check out the tech sector in Groningen
Groningen is a thriving city for design and technology; so checking out tech companies might be a good place to start!
For instance, since 2016, Google invested €2.5 billion in their new data centre in Eemshaven, employing 350 people and counting1. Other companies that are open to diverse employees include Voys, Payt, Parkos2.
2. The University Medical Center
With more than 13,000 professionals from all around the world, UMCG is the largest employer in the Northern part of the Netherlands3.
Further, it is also one of the busiest hospitals in the Netherlands - with approximately 18,000 people (including staff, students, patients) visiting the hospital on a daily basis.
3. Philips
Continuing the job hunt in the medical and technology sector, Groningen is also home to one the biggest lightbulb companies of the world, Philips.
With the vision to make the world a better place through innovation, the company established one of the largest development & production centers in Drachten (40 km from Groningen)4. Furthermore, Philips has a very diverse work environment with around 2,000 employees from all over the world!
4. Gas Terra
Gas Terra is a Groningen-based company active in the worldwide trade and supply of natural gas. Being one of the largest Dutch companies, their operations serve as a key link between the Netherlands and Western Europe.
With over a hundred employees from all over the world, you are very likely to find them employing diversified personnel. Keep a look at their LinkedIn as a lot of the job openings are posted there first!
5. Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Being home to the prestigious Rijksuniversiteit, Groningen is truly a student-friendly city with a plethora of opportunities for academics.
Consistently among the top 100 universities in the world, and ranking third in the Netherlands, Rijksuniversiteit (or the University of Groningen) is an important big employer in the city of Groningen5. With 3,600 academic and 6,250 administrative staff from different nationalities, you might want to check out Rijksuniversiteit if you are looking for job opportunities in the academic field!
6. Check out the Water technology industry
Groningen and other northern Dutch cities are also famous for water tech companies and educational institutions who dedicate much of their work to finding sustainable measures and water harnessing techniques6.
You are likely to find a lot of skilled professionals who come together to contribute towards implementing solutions for global water problems. So, if you are someone who wants to work in a driven industry, checking out companies like WETSUS, Centre of Excellence for sustainable water technology, Van Hall Institute might be a good place to explore!
7. Last but not the least, Networking
Another key way to find opportunities is to network! Given that Groningen, specifically, and the Netherlands, generally, has a large international population - there are several avenues to find like minded people.
Join Facebook groups to kickstart quality conversation - starting with a short introduction about yourself, followed by what you are looking for will help to establish yourself in the market. Additionally, there are several international job listing sites and employment agencies who can help you out in your job hunt!
And there you go! This was a short list of companies that you might end up working in! We understand that the job hunting process (especially in a new country) may be an overwhelming and daunting process, but knowing that there are opportunities out there for you can perhaps soothe some of the anxiety. We wish you all the very best!
