Cracking Groningen’s Student Job Market: How to Get Hired

Finding a job as an international student can be stressful. In this episode, we share practical tips to successfully navigate Groningen’s competitive student job market.

This episode features Isabella Scala Pereira, a Master’s student in Literary Studies at the University of Groningen. Originally from Brazil, Isabella moved to Groningen in 2023 and quickly learned the ins and outs of finding part-time work to support herself.

‘When I first arrived, I was nervous about finding a job because I didn’t speak Dutch,’ Isabella explains. ‘I spent hours browsing Reddit and Quora, worrying about whether employers would hire someone without Dutch language skills.’

Her initial approach involved registering with event job platforms and securing short-term gigs such as serving beer at football games. Soon after, she landed a more stable job at Subway through online applications. Isabella emphasises, ‘Most part-time student jobs teach you on the job. What’s important is showing you’re eager and willing to learn.’

After ten months at Subway, Isabella felt ready for a change: ‘I wasn’t getting enough hours, and the job became repetitive. I needed something different.’ She moved on to TK Maxx, where updating her CV to clearly highlight transferable skills became crucial. ‘Don’t underestimate details like cash handling and closing responsibilities—employers appreciate knowing exactly what you’ve done.’

However, job hunting wasn’t always smooth sailing. Isabella shares her stressful experience between jobs when her temporary contract wasn’t renewed due to the off-peak season. She recalls, ‘Not having job security during the holidays was incredibly stressful. I sent out over 80 emails and physically walked around Groningen handing out my CV until I found my current job as a barista on Zernike campus.’

Isabella stresses the importance of face-to-face interactions in securing employment. ‘Online applications are convenient but often don’t lead anywhere. By going in person, you immediately make an impression.’ Her advice to fellow international students is straightforward: ‘Print your CV, walk around, and ask directly. The worst they can say is no.’

Working part-time while studying is challenging, particularly when schedules aren’t fixed. Isabella experienced significant stress balancing work and study during her first months in Groningen but gradually adapted. ‘Once you get used to your routine, it becomes manageable. It took me about a month to find the right balance,’ she adds reassuringly.

Despite occasional odd encounters in customer service, Isabella has found friendship and community through her jobs. ‘The friendships you make at work are incredible, especially when you face tough situations together. These bonds really enhance your student experience.’

Episode 4 of ‘International in Groningen’ offers valuable insights, practical advice, and candid anecdotes from Isabella’s experiences. Tune in to get a clear picture of how to successfully navigate Groningen’s challenging but rewarding job market as an international student.