"When you come to a foreign country, you don't know anyone, which can feel incredibly isolating," Vlada shares. A refugee from Ukraine, Vlada arrived in the Netherlands two years ago, seeking safety from the war. Adjusting to a new country was overwhelming at first, but her path took a positive turn when she discovered JobOn. This non-profit Dutch organization helps people navigate the job market and grow their professional networks. "JobOn gave me a safe space to learn, to meet new people, and to feel supported," Vlada recalls.

From Ukraine to the Netherlands

Vlada's story begins in Apeldoorn, where she and her sister first arrive. After moving to Amersfoort, she stumbled upon an announcement on Telegram about JobOn's English-speaking program for event managers. With a background in event management and marketing, Vlada knew this could be a good fit. "I wanted to understand how the Dutch job market works and make professional connections. Also, I enjoyed organizing events so much," she explains.

The differences between the two countries were immediately noticeable. "In the Netherlands, people plan everything far in advance — holidays, careers, life goals. In Ukraine, we're more flexible and trying to be more flexible and adapt to whatever happens," she adds, reflecting on how this cultural shift impacted her career transition.

Empowering through JobOn

"After learning more about the job market here, I organized my first event for fellow refugees and newcomers on finding work in the Netherlands," she says proudly. Her first event was a workshop about resume tailoring and interview preparation, led by professional career coach Jolanda Franken. "We had about 20 participants. We covered everything — CV script, cover letters, interview skills—because these things are so different here compared to Ukraine. For example, cover letters aren't a standard requirement back home, but in the Netherlands, they're crucial."

Her involvement didn't stop there. Vlada went on to organize more workshops, including a personal branding session with Aiva Eiduka, a personal branding coach from Latvia. The session focused on how to leverage LinkedIn, a vital tool in the Dutch job market. "LinkedIn is essential here," she emphasizes. "That workshop helped me understand how to present myself in a way that appealed to employers."

From frustration to success

Despite all her progress through JobOn, finding a job was challenging. "I went through over 30 interviews," Vlada recalls. "There were moments I felt hopeless, wondering how to improve my profile to be more attractive to employers. I constantly adjusted my CV, cover letter, and approach—anything to stand out."

But Vlada never gave up. "I kept asking myself, what can I change? How can I present my experience better?" This perseverance eventually paid off when she landed a position at a company providing tech education for people wanting to start their tech careers. "It was such a relief. I love my job now, and I'm so happy I made it till the end," she says.

Vlada credits JobOn for much of her success, not only for the practical skills she gained but also for the confidence it helped her build. "Organizing those events, speaking to new people, and putting myself out there—it was all part of my growth," she says.

Building a community

In addition to finding a job, Vlada built a community around her, which she lacked when she first arrived. "The program didn't just give me professional skills. It gave me friends, a network, and a sense of belonging. That's something you can't put a price on when you've moved to a new country and feel so alone," she reflects.

Now that she's established in the Netherlands, Vlada looks forward to continuing her career and staying involved with JobOn. She recently led a workshop on AI tools, sharing her expertise on how Gen AI tools can leverage professional life." I'm fascinated by new technologies, and it was great to share that passion with others here," she says.

The importance of JobOn for newcomers

When asked what advice she would give to other refugees, Vlada's message is clear: "Don't isolate yourself. Seek out opportunities like JobOn, where you can meet new people and learn. The support you get from a community is so important—especially when you're far from home." Vlada deeply appreciates JobOn's role in her journey.