Navigating the transition from student life to a professional career can be challenging, especially when you’re not able to commit to full-time work just yet. This was the exact situation faced by Stanislav Milkov, a 26-year-old HR Coordinator at digital agency Youwe, who moved to Groningen to pursue his master’s in international business. Balancing studies while trying to land a job seemed daunting, but Milkov found a way to make it work. He spoke to Make it in the North, a job platform connecting internationals with Dutch companies, about his experience.
Originally from Bulgaria, Milkov arrived in Groningen in 2020 after completing a bachelor’s degree in human resources in the UK. When he discovered an open position at Youwe, a digital agency based in the Northern Netherlands, he was eager to apply. However, there was one snag — the role was full-time, and Milkov was still completing his master’s. Rather than pass up the opportunity, he asked if the company would allow him to start part-time and transition to full-time after finishing his degree. Fortunately, Youwe was flexible.
“They were very keen on doing that,” Milkov said. “Long story short, I started part-time, and a year and a half later, I’m still working here full-time.”
“Challenging is good”
As an HR Coordinator at Youwe, Milkov leads various projects, such as secondary benefits, role profiles, and onboarding programs. “I really like what I do because it’s challenging,” he said. “Working with people is always different. When you meet different people, it’s a different experience every time. And working with projects is something that is always different as well.”
He enjoys the dynamic nature of project work, where each new task presents unique challenges. “Once you finish one project, another one comes along, and that one is almost never the same as the one before. There are always little things that you need to polish,” he said. As a self-described perfectionist, Milkov finds this constant need for improvement to be a motivating aspect of his job. “Challenging is good,” he added.
Moving to a new country for work and study can be a difficult process, and Milkov is no stranger to that experience. He first left Bulgaria to study in the UK and later relocated to the Netherlands for his master’s. “Moving to a new country is not easy,” he admitted, but he found the Netherlands to be particularly welcoming. “Especially here in the North, people are very relaxed and welcoming,” he said. His youth and single status at the time also made the adjustment a bit easier.
‘Networking makes things easier’
One of the first hurdles he faced in Groningen was the housing crisis, which made finding a place to live particularly challenging. To overcome this, Milkov leveraged his network. “I would recommend people to network and make connections in order to be able to find housing. It makes it easier,” he suggested.
Beyond housing, integrating into the community was a key priority for Milkov. He joined a volleyball association, which not only allowed him to continue playing a sport he loves but also helped him meet new people and establish friendships.
“Joining a sports club or some sort of activity where people share the same interests is a great way to find your people,” he said. Additionally, his involvement in the master’s community provided him with a support system that made his transition smoother. “Being a student is a little bit of a step before really moving into a new country, and that really helped,” he said.
Milkov has grown to love life in Groningen, appreciating the relaxed pace of life in the North compared to the busier Randstad region in the heart of the Netherlands. “I really like the fact that here people don’t put too much pressure on things. They just live their life and try to enjoy it as well,” he said. The calm environment is one of the reasons Milkov has chosen to stay in the region, explaining, “I don’t think that stress is something I was looking for, so I decided to stay here in Groningen.”
In his free time, Milkov enjoys both playing volleyball and cycling, though he was initially disappointed by the flat terrain after having previously been involved in professional mountain biking. “It’s all flat,” he joked, “but on the other hand, it’s easy to just pick up your bike and cycle somewhere.”
Reflecting on his journey, Milkov offered advice to other international job seekers in the Netherlands. “Build your network and try to be a little bit more social,” he recommended. “Being an expat is really about trying to integrate into a new society. It’s not only about the perks of working abroad; it’s also about going out of your shell and going the extra mile to meet new people.”
His final piece of advice? “Join associations, join communities, and clubs. That can really help you,” Milkov said. Networking is not only vital for finding a job but also for establishing a sense of belonging in a new place. As for Groningen itself, Milkov believes it’s an underrated gem.
“It’s a very lovely bubble where everyone is nice. It’s a very welcoming society,” he said. For anyone considering a move, Milkov encourages them to look North. “If you’re looking for a new place you would like to move to, I would say Groningen is that place.”
Video by Julia Dumchenko.