Nicole Cruz Roa

Before starting the master programme Media, Culture & Society in 2020, Nicole already knew she wanted to work in the Netherlands after graduation. And so happened! Since June 2022 she is coordinating different marketing strategies internationally and improving the Employer Branding internally and externally at Picnic Technologies. Nicole: “I'm passionate about my role as Recruitment Communications Coordinator, because it allows me to be in close contact with our Supply Chain colleagues, while learning from top practices in the retail sector! As part of my role, I also conduct research efforts with employees to make sure our communication efforts are as effective as possible. That requires a set of skills that I was able to develop thanks to my master’s.” 

How did you land in your current role as Recruitment Communications Coordinator at Picnic Technologies?

When I was still an Employer Branding and Recruitment Marketing Intern at Signify, I saw one of Picnic's adorable electrical vehicles ride in my city. It sparked my interest, so I started researching the company, their values and contribution on a societal and ecological level. Coincidentally, they were looking for someone to strengthen their Employer Branding and Recruitment Marketing efforts; an area I had already fallen in love with thanks to my internship! After applying and meeting the team in person, everything was a great fit. 

What is your experience with finding a job in the Netherlands?

I decided to look for an internship right after submitting my master thesis, since I knew a company could hire me as a student intern, and then extend my contract with the orientation year visa. In that search, I felt the competition in the Marketing field was quite fierce, mainly due to my lack of professional experience, but also given that I did not speak fluent Dutch at that time. I mainly used LinkedIn to look for my roles, but I also sent open applications to companies that resonated with my personal values. The main challenge I faced, like many internationals, is that working in Communications/ Marketing often requires excellent Dutch skills. Because my mind was (and continues to be) set on surpassing that obstacle, I enrolled in Dutch lessons since I arrived three years ago, and now I can thankfully see the fruit of that effort!

In what way have extracurricular activities next to your studies helped you in your career orientation/ application process?

While I was studying, I worked different side jobs in which I had to speak Dutch. That certainly set the basis to start learning the language next to my courses with the municipality. Moreover, my internship with a very well-known Dutch company helped me gain significant insights into the Marketing field within Europe, so I definitely recommend being open to an internship as part of your study period! 

How do you feel working as an international alumna in a company in the Netherlands?

I am very fortunate to work in a very international company, while being supported by my Dutch colleagues in my journey with the Dutch language. There is always room for growth and for me to contribute from my experience living and working in other countries in Latin America.

What is your advice to international students who are seeking a job in the Netherlands? 

I would recommend that you thoroughly inform yourself about the visa possibilities offered by the government, as companies will often have more questions than answers in this regard. Also, I advise you to stay open to job opportunities outside the Randstad: competition can be less strenuous there, than in bigger cities. Besides, The Netherlands is a beautiful country, so you can also experience other sides of its culture by visiting regions like Zeeland or Limburg.