International Talent Event Amsterdam 2017
Amsterdam is home to a large international talent pool and attracts many international businesses, from start-ups to multinationals. For both the students and companies, finding the perfect job match in this fast-paced and global world can be a challenge. Four leading educational institutions in the Amsterdam Area - VU University, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Inholland University of Applied Sciences - have therefore joined forces with Amsterdam inbusiness and the Amsterdam Economic Board to host the fourth International Talent Event Amsterdam on Friday 21 April 2017.
This year, the event took place at the innovative The Student Hotel in Amsterdam, who welcomed 40 companies and more than 800 students from a wide variety of disciplines. Kicking off the day was Tiambi Simms, founder of SheFarms. She energised the packed room during the Grand Opening by talking about her sustainable career path and what it takes to become an social entrepreneur. "Building your team is the most important thing in the startup world. The team made my vision their vision", said Simms. She recommends all aspiring entrepreneurs to take the leap and "just jump out of the window and do it!"
Throughout the day, the job market was bustling with activity. In the midst of the market, another 13 businesses, such as Pubbly, Travix, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and VF International, took the stage and pitched their brand in ten minutes. Those interested could listen to the pitch in "silent disco" style – with a wireless headset they could comfortably listen to the pitch anywhere in the building. In between the pitches and workshops, more than 275 students queued to enter the Career Café. Here they received career advice from recruiters and coaches from the universities and tips to craft a perfect CV. The photographer of Young Financials was also available to take free-of-charge professional photos for participant's LinkedIn profiles.
Many companies at ITEA are interested in international talent because of the refreshing, diverse and innovative insights they bring. Internationals can increase productivity, offer different solutions and have specific knowledge for companies that do business across the border. These students and graduates often become highly motivated employees who can easily find their way in other markets and cultures.
The young professionals that took part in ITEA indeed showed great enthusiasm and were eager to get in touch with potential employers. During the job market and match-making sessions, many contact details were swapped. At the end of the day, students were able to show their newly learned skills whilst enjoying snacks and drinks during a casual networking event. Some students who attended did not only come away with job seeking skills and industry contacts, but even received a job or internship offer directly.