1. How long have you been working in the Netherlands?
I have been working in the Netherlands since February 2021.
2. What do you do for iPS? Explain your job.
I am a Recruiter for the iPS Select team. I am responsible for creating and maintaining connections with job seekers and potential candidates for current and future projects.
3. What are the biggest differences between the Netherlands and US? What surprised you the most?
The work culture is very different, there is a lot of interpersonal comradery and consideration for the individuals. Also the public transportation is so much better here!
4. What do you miss the most about the US?
Besides my family and friends, the nature. You could drive from the coast to the inland and see ocean, cities, farms, and mountains in one day without ever leaving the state. We have a lot of beautiful state and national parks.
5. Was it hard to integrate?
At first it was because I initially moved over during the summer of 2020, during the COVID restrictions, so it was difficult to immerse myself into a new country. Getting used to the professional culture was difficult at first – there really is the “Dutch Directness” that was a bit startling to me in the beginning, but after getting used to it, I’ve come to appreciate such open and honest communication. Personally, I was able to make some other expat friends who have lived in the Netherlands longer than me to start integrating, and I have met some wonderful Dutch friends along the way.
Crossing borders
Our iPS Select colleagues are working at their offices around the globe. We celebrate our multicultural DNA, because together we can achieve more. We introduce three of our colleagues who live and work in different countries than the country in which they were born. Why did they make their choice? What are the differences they experience? Read their stories.
