After completing her Master’s degree in France, Elena, a psychologist from North Macedonia, decided to take the next step in her career in the Netherlands. Her personal life brought her to the country, and she has been living here for about a year now. However, settling into a new environment was not without its challenges. 

"As an expat, the world can feel quite isolating at times," Elena shares. Like many newcomers, she faced the uncertainty of navigating a foreign job market while also adjusting to a different culture and lifestyle. 

Discovering JobOn 

Elena discovered JobOn through the platform NLvoorelkaar.nl, where she applied to become an event manager. The opportunity to connect with other job seekers and be part of a supportive community immediately appealed to her. 

"As a job seeker, I found it important to share experiences, support one another, and create valuable connections," she explains. Joining JobOn’s Talent Program gave her the structure and confidence she needed to take an active role in her professional development. 

The event manager experience 

Since joining JobOn in July 2024, Elena has organized several events, some in collaboration with other event managers. The experience not only helped her expand her network but also allowed her to develop new skills. 

"I got to meet amazing and talented people, and I learned so much. I am also very lucky to have Adelina as my project manager, her support and encouragement inspired me to organize even more events." 

Through this role, Elena stepped outside of her comfort zone, developing a ‘go-getter’ mindset. "As a shy person, networking can be intimidating, but JobOn showed me that it can be smooth and natural. It helped me realize that putting yourself out there is essential." 

Professional growth and building connections 

One of the most significant benefits of the program for Elena was meeting fellow professionals in her field. "I was surprised and delighted to meet other psychologists through JobOn. We still keep in touch today, and it has been invaluable to have this network." 

Elena highlights how crucial it is for expats to find their peers: "When you move to a new country, it can sometimes feel like you’re under a heavy, grey cloud. Connecting with like-minded professionals lifts that weight and helps you find your place." 

Gaining confidence  

Beyond professional connections, JobOn also influenced Elena’s personal growth. "Job searching can be tough, especially when rejections start to impact your self-esteem. Having a community to remind you of your strengths is so important." 

One of her most memorable moments with JobOn was making a friend through the events she organized. "She was so inspired that she also became an event manager. We ended up organizing events together, which opened doors for even more collaborations." 

Advice for newcomers 

For those who are new to the Netherlands and looking for career opportunities, Elena offers some valuable advice: "Know your skills and your worth. Apply for jobs that genuinely interest you, even if you think you don’t have a chance. Most importantly, become part of a community—it makes all the difference." 

Elena is grateful for the opportunities that JobOn has given her and looks forward to continuing her journey. "I was very happy when Lotte contacted me to join JobOn. It has been an incredible experience, and I hope others can benefit from it as much as I have."