UoN to the Netherlands

Oscar Jenson

By Oscar Jensen, UoN alumni 

I graduated from UoN in the summer of 2022 having completed my BSc in Natural Sciences, where I specialised in chemistry, geography, and environmental sciences. During my studies, I became increasingly interested in the impact of humans on our environment and climate change and I realised I wanted to learn more.  

After graduating I knew I wasn’t ready to kick start my career quite yet, so I worked as a hockey coach to save up and went travelling around Africa and South East Asia, taking the time to reflect and also research and apply for master’s programmes.

Moving abroad - why I chose the Netherlands

Growing up I’d always been interested in experiencing living abroad and when my plans for a study abroad during my undergrad fell through thanks to Covid, I knew I wanted to explore the option for my master’s in Europe.

The Netherlands - and Amsterdam in particular - stood out for me as a great place to live and study. Its progressive approach towards sustainability, the international atmosphere and widespread use of English and the culture of the city made it the perfect place.

In September 2023, I began a one-year social-sciences Masters in Environment and Resource Management where I specialised in renewable energy and climate and haven’t looked back since.

Building my career

After completing my master’s, I was determined to stay and begin building my career in the EU market.

Gaining a deeper understanding of some of the most pressing environmental issues throughout my studies, I realised more than ever the critical role of international cooperation and how cross border EU policy can help drive that change. I felt that basing myself in the EU would not only offer invaluable learning opportunities early in my career but also position me to help drive a positive impact. I began to apply to multiple jobs related to sustainability, mostly interested in those with a renewable energy and decarbonisation focus. 

Finding a full-time role in the Netherlands wasn't easy. Navigating bureaucratic visa challenges, finding English speaking roles in an international company, and fierce competition (with the Dutch education culture meaning 90% of applicants have internships and masters degrees), made it a tough landscape.

I broke down the process and first focused on some further specialised CV building and gained some experience through a few projects with some small companies which were directly related to my now full-time job. 

My current role

I now work as a Graduate Net Zero Consultant at AECOM, a global infrastructure and engineering consultancy. My role focuses on decarbonisation related services for clients - supporting or modelling renewable energy projects, carbon accounting, decarbonisation strategy development or helping reduce carbon in infrastructure projects. In addition, I also support broader environmental and ESG services in areas of environmental permitting, climate adaptation and resilience and policy compliance. 

One highlight of my work has been the exposure to projects in multiple countries and the international nature of my work. Collaborating with teams beyond the Netherlands has provided valuable insights into different markets and work cultures. 

Advice for students thinking about working abroad

 Moving abroad has been an incredibly enriching experience - both professionally and personally. It challenges you, expands your world view, and forces you to reflect on what you value in both personal and work life.

If you’re considering it, I couldn’t recommend enough, especially the Netherlands. If you play any sports I would 100% look at joining a local team. For me I’ve played hockey highly all my life and it has been a great way to integrate with the Dutch culture here.

The only negative I would say that drives me mad sometimes is how flat it is here, so if your made for the mountains definitely have a think – oh and maybe the weather. Nonetheless there are many positives with the Dutch work-life balance and the amazing bike culture that I would strongly miss if I left. 

Of course, moving is not without its challenges. It is expensive, adjusting to a new culture and language can be tough, troubles with finding housing (that get easier when your physically there) and post-Brexit bureaucracy, especially visa paperwork, can feel endless.

Nonetheless the challenges are all part of the game and the experience and memories you’ll gain from embracing another culture I promise will be 100% worth it.

If you're interested in working abroad, read our expert advice and gain free access to GoinGlobal, an international careers database, covering 42 countries and 32 cities with advice on job-hunting strategies, cultural considerations and job and internship vacancies.