The job market is changing faster than ever and requires a data-driven approach. We regularly receive requests to find a starter who actually has to have everything: Dutch, female, with an IT background, three years of experience as well as knowledge of an outdated legacy system. A profile that should be young, experienced and specialised at the same time, but in reality hardly exists. With data you can immediately see whether such a profile is realistic and discover what talent is available. This way you make choices based on facts instead of assumptions.
Who will apply tomorrow?
In 2024, approximately 300,000 students were enrolled in economic and technical studies, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Of these, about 70,000 students graduate each year, with an average age of 25. But how do you know if the people you are specifically looking for are there at all, and in what numbers?
Where's the talent?
The entry-level job market is full of opportunity, if you know where to look. While the number of graduates in Finance remains fairly stable, the influx in IT and data-related courses is growing explosively. Programs such as Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science and Computer Science are attracting more and more students. The intake in Artificial Intelligence alone has more than doubled in five years.
Studies where AI is not a central focus, but does play an important role - such as Business Analytics, Data Science and Econometrics - are also gaining strong popularity. Yet there is a downside: less than half of IT students graduate within four years. The outflow is thus delayed. It pays to build relationships even before graduation through internships, collaboration with student associations and visibility at career days.
Growing group of internationals
The number of international students in the Netherlands has been rising for years. In 2023/2024, 128,004 internationals were enrolled, accounting for 16% of the total student population. Compared to the previous year, this represents a growth of about 5% - the smallest increase in nine years. The flattening of growth is likely related to the continuing shortage of student housing and political calls to limit active recruitment of international students.
International students are spread across various fields of study. Within higher education, international students mainly chose Economics (15,525), Language and Culture (6,893) and Engineering (6,653). At universities, international students mainly chose Behavioral and Social Sciences (17,676 students), Economics (16,614 students) and Engineering (11,561 students).
According to Nuffic, technical and data-related studies in particular are on the rise: 8,300 international students will choose a technical program at a university of applied sciences in 2024, a 13% increase from the previous year.
The future
Projections show a decline in the number of Dutch students, while the number of international students continues to grow. The Ministry of Education predicts that the number of Dutch students in academic education will drop from 251,500 in 2023-2024 to 228,200 in 2031-2032. During the same period, the number of international students is expected to increase from 90,300 to 120,100.
Of the international students who graduate in the Netherlands, a significant portion continue to work here. Of the 2018/2019 batch, more than 30% were still working in the Netherlands five years later.
Curious about the male-female ratio in technical and financial fields? Discover the ratio by field of study.
Look wider than classic profiles
Many organisations are still looking from the frames of previous generations: a familiar study, a linear career path and a familiar job title. But young talent is increasingly coming from unexpected places.
Look beyond the standard finance or IT student and focus more on skills. Business IT & Management students can develop into excellent finance professionals with a solid technical foundation. Data Science students with an economics background combine analytical precision with business acumen.
Moreover, with the rise of AI, the demand for other skills is shifting. Think data skills, critical thinking skills, model understanding, AI ethics and being able to collaborate with smart systems. At the same time, there is a growing need for people who are not only technical, but can also communicate, build bridges and maintain an overview. The future belongs to generalist specialists with highly developed soft skills.
What can you do?
- Look for skills rather than diplomas - Which skills are really needed for a role, and which can be developed internally?
- Invest in training and development - By growing talent, you not only increase intake, but also engagement. No room internally? A traineeship offers a solution.
- Focus on AI readiness - Not everyone needs to be an AI expert, but they do need to understand what technology means for their work. That starts with data literacy, curiosity and analytical thinking. Young talent today brings exactly those qualities.
- Integrate international talent successfully - Internationals bring new ideas and innovation, but also require attention to cultural differences, language and administration. Success starts with you as a manager: provide inclusive job postings, lower language barriers, support with visa issues, build an inclusive work culture and create bonding through mentoring and growth opportunities. Read more about your role as a manager on a multicultural team.
The next step
Tomorrow's job market requires flexibility and a broad perspective. The perfect profile does not exist, but with data you can see which talents do exist. By being open to other backgrounds, investing in development and cleverly integrating international talent, you build a future-proof team. The question is: are you ready to look beyond the classic profiles?
Data-driven insights on the graduate market
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