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Job Fair Central Netherlands 2025: A Great Success Connecting International Talent with Industry 

Wittenborg Hosts Growing Job Fair Bridging Students and Employers in Central Netherlands

On 4 June, Wittenborg students, graduates, and regional professionals met with employers at Apeldoorn City Hall for the latest edition of the Job Fair Central Netherlands. Now in its third year, the event is designed to connect multilingual and English-speaking talent with employers across the Central Netherlands region.

Students had the opportunity to engage directly with recruiters, present their skills and career interests, share their CVs, take professional LinkedIn photos, and explore a range of internships and job openings. At the same time, employers showcased their organisations and open positions, meeting motivated students and recent graduates eager to launch their careers.

Reflecting on the day, Sophia Faraji, External Relations & Events Manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the event’s growing reach and impact:

“I’m so happy that this year we had even more companies join us at the beautiful City Hall of Apeldoorn. We welcomed many visitors — international students and talented young professionals — who had the chance to connect directly with employers. It’s a great opportunity not only for companies to find talent but also for students to build networks. We hope to see even more organisations take part in the future and make the Job Fair Central Netherlands even bigger.”

Rijn Platteel, Chair of Wittenborg's Advisory Board, welcomed attendees and emphasised the urgent challenge employers face across sectors such as ICT, healthcare, and construction: securing the talent essential to succeed in today’s competitive market.

“The most important question in any boardroom is how to get talent. There is a shortage in almost every sector,” Platteel said. Yet, he urged individuals and organisations alike to prioritise continuous growth. “Stay curious. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you’re doing — you have to keep evolving. Upskill. Reskill. Because the real risk isn’t change, it’s stagnation.”

Platteel highlighted the value of meaningful investment in staff beyond superficial perks. “For employers, investing in your people is crucial — and not just with ping-pong tables, but with meaningful training and mentoring. The return on investment? A future-proof workforce that keeps performing, even when the wifi goes down.”

While acknowledging the advantages of digitisation and automation, he was clear about the irreplaceable nature of human skills. “A robot can schedule a meeting, but it can’t resolve a conflict on the floor. People remain irreplaceable, and good people are even harder to find. That’s why international talent is not just useful — it’s essential.”

Platteel also underscored the strategic benefit of educating talent locally. “Yes, we can attract internationals from across the border, but the better approach is to educate them here in Apeldoorn. That’s what Wittenborg does splendidly. So many students come here because this is exactly the talent we desperately need.”

He concluded by reflecting on the broader value international professionals bring beyond skills alone. “Hiring professionals is about more than skills — it’s about perspective. In our globalised world, understanding one another and appreciating different cultures is a luxury. Internationals help create better decisions, deeper understanding, and frankly, fewer awkward Zoom calls. Today, we are building bridges between employers and job seekers.”

Insights from Exhibitors

Several company representatives from Kiwa, Corendon Hotels & Resorts, Asia Express Food and more shared their impressions and advice with attending students. Anna Nasonova, International Recruitment Consultant at Exactpi Multilingual Expert Recruitment, highlighted the demand for globally minded professionals.

“All of our business cards were gone at the end of the day. We are looking to attract more international talent. Internationals are adaptable; they have international experience, which is beneficial to any business environment.”

Ambre Sinnaeve from Stellantis offered students practical tips for standing out when applying for jobs or internships:

“Have a clear CV. One page is enough, with short keywords. Also, the correct email address, please. It is important. If you are in marketing and communications, it is nice to attach a portfolio. If you are in another field, then you can also attach something that can define you or something that is a bonus. During an interview, it is important to have some information about the company. Show some motivation. Smile if you hear a joke and be yourself.” 

Student Perspectives: Making Connections

For many Wittenborg students, the Job Fair Central Netherlands was not just an opportunity to explore career options, but a chance to engage directly with employers and practise real-world networking.

MBA (Master of Business Administration) student Dolly Gulati came prepared with a handful of printed CVs and a clear goal in mind.

“I’m here to connect with companies and learn about potential career paths. It’s a great chance to meet employers face-to-face and show what I can offer,” she said.

HBA (Hospitality Business Administration) student Paria Moghaddamzare volunteered, supporting guest registration and guiding attendees. She also found personal value in the experience.

“I was working in registration to give guests their badge names and guide them. Of the job fair itself, I think it’s very helpful for students — even if they cannot find an internship or job immediately, they really can build up connections and socialise.”

Ava Mehrani, an External Relations and Events Intern as well as a student, echoed the event’s success in facilitating meaningful engagement.

“What stood out the most to me was the quality of interaction between students and company representatives — there was a very strong and meaningful connection. Several recruiters mentioned how impressed they were by the professionalism and enthusiasm of the students, which led to engaging conversations and potential follow-ups. It was truly rewarding to see such vibrant networking in action.

Regional Support and Growth

Adding to the positive feedback, Wittenborg CEO, Maggie Feng, highlighted the strong local engagement and longstanding partnerships that contributed to the event’s success.  

“More local companies joined us from the village of Terwolde, where Intermontage is based. We have a longstanding relationship, starting with collaborative research programmes focused on circularity. Alongside this, Witteveen Bos from Deventer and other regional companies participated — all of whom we are superbly happy to have on board.  

“The recruitment team from Den Haag found the event particularly eye-opening. They hadn’t realised just how much is happening in this part of the Netherlands and were even more surprised by the number of international talents attending. We are attracting exhibitors not only from afar but also from the local area, which is crucial as we want to retain graduates in the region.  

“Wethouder (Councillor) Nick Derks was also present, and we are very grateful that this time the event could be held at the City Hall in Apeldoorn.” 

WUP 16/06/2025 
by Erene Roux 
©WUAS Press 

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