In an interview with Make it in the North, Adrian Figueroa, originally from Mexico, shares his journey to the Northern Netherlands and his experiences working at Econvert after completing his studies in the region.
Adrian embarked on his Northern Netherlands adventure while pursuing a master’s degree in Energy for Society at Hanze University in Groningen. With a passion for environmental sustainability, he found himself drawn to Econvert, where he now serves as a sales engineer. Adrian stumbled upon this opportunity through LinkedIn, intrigued by Econvert’s sustainable energy initiatives that resonated deeply with his academic background and aspirations.
The prospect of contributing to environmental sustainability was the primary draw for Adrian. He sought avenues to make a meaningful impact, and Econvert offered the perfect intersection of professional growth and environmental stewardship. The chance to expand his knowledge while making a positive contribution to the planet was irresistible.
Integration into life in the Northern Netherlands and within Econvert has been smooth for Adrian. Groningen’s vibrant student community eased his transition into Dutch life, offering a plethora of social activities. Similarly, Econvert fostered a welcoming and dynamic workplace culture, characterized by an international atmosphere and youthful energy.
Interacting with Dutch colleagues has been effortless for Adrian, despite language differences. While Dutch is prevalent, the majority speak English, creating a comfortable environment for communication. Adrian appreciates their encouragement to learn Dutch, recognising the value it adds to job prospects while navigating life in the Netherlands.
Like many expats, Adrian faced initial challenges when relocating to the Netherlands, including homesickness and adjusting to Dutch cuisine and weather. However, the warmth of the local community and the convenience of Dutch life helped mitigate these hurdles. While Adrian resides in Groningen rather than Heerenveen, where the Econvert office is located, he finds Groningen to be the perfect balance between city and town life.
For international job seekers eyeing opportunities in the Northern Netherlands, Adrian offers valuable advice. Learning the Dutch language, although challenging, significantly enhances job prospects. Casting a wide net in job applications can also yield unexpected opportunities, as the Netherlands proves to be an easy country to adapt to.
You can read about the full interview on Make it in the North.
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