Hiring internationals means sharing different cultures and experiences which is one of the biggest assets a company can have, Farooq Azam, a solution architect at IBM’s Client Innovation Centre (CIC) in Groningen said.
Speaking with Make it in the North, an organisation that connects Dutch companies with job seekers who don’t speak Dutch yet, Azam said having an international workforce is beneficial in many ways – bringing in perspectives from all over the world improves working relationships and technical expertise.
“IBM has been hiring internationals since its inception, and even here at the CIC, the main idea was to attract more young people and young talent from all over the world,” Azam said.
Groningen became home to IBM’s first Dutch Client Innovation Centre (CIC) in 2013. At the CIC, IBM supports Dutch and international clients in the transformation of their business.
The CIC’s approach to internationalisation is evident in its hiring practices and work environment. The centre primarily conducts business in English, making it accessible to professionals from various backgrounds. However, it also supports employees in learning Dutch, offering access to language courses at the University of Groningen.
One of the key strengths of the Groningen CIC is its ability to seamlessly integrate international talent. Azam praised the centre’s “amazing onboarding experience” that introduces new hires to the unique CIC culture. This culture, he said, is not specifically Dutch but rather a blend of diverse perspectives from around the world.
The benefits of this international approach are clear to IBM.
“There’s always been this idea of learning from different perspectives, from different knowledge bases,” Azam said. “Hiring internationals means understanding new cultures, sharing knowledge together, and getting the best out of the different knowledge bases around the world.”
The success of the IBM CIC’s international approach serves as a model for other companies considering global hiring. Azam recommends that businesses embrace the benefits of a diverse workforce, highlighting the importance of facilitating the integration process and providing growth opportunities for international talent.
Asked about whether expats tend to want to settle in the Netherlands or if a move back to their home countries remains at the back of their mind, Azam said this varies from person to person.
“If we’re talking about myself, I’d prefer to live here. I think the environment is there, the facilities are there, the motivation is there. Living here is an amazing experience,” Azam said.
