Perseverance, eagerness to learn and confidence in one's own abilities. Qualities that suit Orhan Kiymaz well. Despite the many obstacles, he has learned to embrace the challenges on his path. He arranged an internship at G-Star and recently succeeded in being accepted for his dream traineeship at Rabobank.
After arriving in the Netherlands, he made a remarkable career switch: from a background in political science in Turkey to a master's degree in data science. He is currently finishing his master's thesis at Tilburg University and is about to start his dream traineeship at Rabobank. In his spare time, Orhan dives into the world of coffee, is a fanatic about sports such as squash and swimming, and has a great passion for films. In short, Orhan is a jack of all trades and seizes every challenge with both hands.
The challenge of a career change
When Orhan came to the Netherlands, he faced a major challenge: he had to rebuild his career. His background in political science did not immediately connect to the Dutch labor market. In addition, there were obstacles such as language barriers, a lack of network and the unwritten rules of applying for jobs in the Netherlands.
Determined to take a new direction, Orhan opted for a master's degree in data science at Tilburg University. "Two completely different fields, but I saw the challenge as an opportunity."
But studying alone wasn't enough; he also wanted to gain practical experience. Finding an internship or job proved difficult. "As an international student it's already difficult to find an internship, but as a refugee it's even harder. You have a language deficit, no network and employers often only see the gap on your CV."
Learning from rejections
Many applications and rejections followed. And that was not easy. "Every rejection felt like a blow," says Orhan. "But I quickly realized that I could learn something from it. Why didn't I get an invitation? What could I do differently?" He started to adjust his application letters, practiced interviews and asked for feedback. Still, it was hard to get an opportunity. "It's frustrating when you know you have the skills but you're never invited to show them."
Along the way, he discovered that applying for jobs in the Netherlands is not just about experience and skills, but also about how you convey them. "Employers don't just want to know what you can do, but also who you are and how you fit into the team. I had to change my approach and not just tell what I had done, but also show why my experience was valuable to the Dutch labor market."
Instead of being discouraged by rejections, he used them as learning opportunities. “Each time, I learned how to better articulate my experience and present myself more strongly.” Orhan realized that every rejection is an opportunity to grow.
“I never lose, I either win or learn” – a famous quote from a certain Nelson Mandela – and a motto that is very reminiscent of Orhan's mindset.
A chance at G-Star
He saw a vacancy at G-Star via Refugee Talent Hub and seized the opportunity. "The application process was different from what I was used to. I had two interviews: first online with HR and then a face-to-face interview with my future manager at the head office. What struck me was how friendly and accessible the process was."
At G-Star, he immediately felt welcome. "Everyone was friendly and helpful. I wasn't treated as 'just an intern', but was given autonomy and was seen as a full-fledged colleague. That gave me a lot of confidence." His time at G-Star confirmed an important insight: equal opportunities are not always fair. "Some people need more chances to get to the same level. It's not about equal opportunities, it's about fair opportunities."
It's not about equal opportunities, it's about fair opportunities.
Orhan Kiymaz
The next step: Rabobank
Orhan's perseverance and learning attitude have taken him far. His journey has not been without challenges, but he has shown that every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal.
He recently heard that, after previous rejections, he had been accepted as a Risk & Finance Trainee at Rabobank. "I learned that failure is not a bad thing, as long as you keep trying. In fact, during my last job interview, the recruiter emphasized how much they appreciated my perseverance. Sometimes it takes a while before you find the right match, but that chance will come."
Advice to newcomers
Orhan hopes that other newcomers will feel empowered by his story. "Everyone deserves a chance, but as a refugee you often start with a 1-0 deficit. That's why you have to work extra hard to show why you deserve that chance." His advice to others in a similar situation is clear: don't give up. "Every application, every rejection, every new attempt brings you closer to your goal. Keep learning, keep growing and find the right people around you who can support you."
