According to Dijkhuis, the labour market is all about finding the right fit between employer and employee. ‘For companies, the biggest challenge is finding well-educated technical staff. Recent graduates just want to make an impact. They are looking for work where they can make a difference.’
One way find the right match is the Job and Company Portal – an online platform featuring all the vacancies in the region, from level-3 mbo upwards. At the same time, there is also a Company Portal where organisations can showcase themselves. ‘It is like the old school Yellow Pages’, says Dijkhuis. But she stresses it is much more than a job board. ‘Companies can share vacancies, internships, graduation assignments, part-time and temporary jobs, and also create a profile that says something about their company culture.’
‘In SMEs, everything is not set in stone, you can think outside the box’
The portal enables Twente Board to bring talent and the broader Twente business community closer together. And as a green, technological region, Twente has a lot to offer graduates, Dijkhuis emphasises. ‘There are plenty of innovative companies here. People in the region are working on exciting projects every day – so yes, you really can make an impact in Twente.’
Opportunities for growth
Dijkhuis notes, however, that graduates often tend to gravitate towards big organisations. ‘They are not always aware that you can also make a meaningful contribution at small and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises. Precisely because not everything is set in stone in SMEs. At the big corporations, you apply for a role with a fixed list of tasks, while in SMEs the framework is looser. It is more flexible, you can think outside the box, and there are plenty of opportunities for growth.’
‘Look for the right click’
That is why she advises students to look beyond a job description, trendy workplace or high salary. ‘Above all, look at whether you fit into the company culture, whether there is a click with the organisation. If there is not, you probably won’t be happy there. Ask yourself what makes you happy. Of course, it is hard to know the answer to that with your first job. Maybe not even with your second. And that is fine. But start conversations, visit events such as Talententuin Twente, look around, and do so with the impact you want to contribute in mind.’
roots
This article appeared earlier this week in ROOTS, the regional career magazine of U-Today published in collaboration with Twente Board.
The magazine aims to inform, inspire, and activate UT students by providing insight into career opportunities within the Twente region. It serves as a connecting platform, bridging students and the regional labour market.
Companies are given a stage to showcase their organisation, company culture, and job opportunities to young talent.
Through the magazine, they can connect directly with their future employees by highlighting internships, traineeships, and entry-level positions.
Read the full magazine here.
