New Country, New Opportunities: These Talents Make the Difference

Talent with a future

For refugees with residence status, starting a new life in the Netherlands means one crucial thing: rebuilding a future full of opportunities. At the same time, even for highly educated professionals, language and cultural differences can make it challenging to reestablish a career. To bridge this gap between talent and the Dutch labor market, Capgemini Academy developed the Data Professional Track. Osama completed this program and is now confidently taking his first steps as a data consultant. “The Osama on the last day of the training is not the same as on the first day.”

Osama arrived in the Netherlands with ambition and professional expertise. He previously worked as an IT support specialist and was looking for a way to further develop his skills and rebuild his career. But how do you restart your professional journey in a new country as a status holder?

During his search for opportunities that aligned with both his experience and the Dutch labor market, Osama discovered the Data Professional Track at Capgemini Academy. This program is specifically designed to support highly educated status holders in both their professional and personal development.

Participants receive a solid foundation in data and are introduced to various roles within the data domain. In addition, they work on language skills, communication, and personal development. Osama shares what the program meant to him.

Why did you specifically choose the Data Professional Track at Capgemini Academy?

“I saw it as an opportunity to better understand what working in the Netherlands looks like. During an earlier Data Science program in Utrecht, I learned a lot about data, but I was looking for something that would bring me closer to real‑world Dutch business practice. I wanted to explore what it’s like to work with data in a professional environment. That’s why this program appealed to me.”

What does the Data Professional Track look like in practice?

“At the start, you learn what data really is and what the different roles within a data team involve. What does a data engineer do? What does a data analyst do? What does a data scientist do? All of that became much clearer. I also learned to work with tools that are essential in practice, such as Microsoft Fabric, Databricks, and PySpark.”

“We didn’t just learn the technical knowledge, we applied it directly. For example, we worked on a project case where we used tools like Fabric, Azure, and Power BI.”

“At the same time, the Data Professional Track is not only about technology. We spent a lot of time practicing collaboration, listening skills, asking the right questions, and communication. Both within teams and in dealing with a wide range of client needs.”

Was the personal skills component important?

“It was extremely important to me. I learned how to work with people much more effectively. The program went very deep in this area. An actor played the role of a client in several sessions, sometimes friendly, sometimes angry. We learned how to respond professionally in each situation. The Osama you see today is not the same person who started this program.”

That suggests that more changed than just your communication skills…

“Absolutely. We had a personal coach and language classes as well, it was a complete, integrated program.”

And what was the effect of that?

“In the past, I thought work simply meant doing your job and then going home. Here, I learned how important it is to talk to colleagues, build a network, and make yourself visible. I’m introverted, but I now approach people much more easily and feel more confident in a professional environment. Alongside my work, I’m also very actively focused on networking.”

And you are now working at Capgemini?

“Yes. I’ve been hired as a data consultant at Capgemini.”

Where do you hope to be in a few years?

“First, I want to continue growing in my profession. Over time, I would also like to move into a management role, perhaps as a people manager. I find it meaningful to help others grow. I’ve been through a lot myself, and I believe I can use that experience to support others in their development.”

Final question: what has this program ultimately given you?

“For me, the impact has been significant. This program has changed a lot in my life, not only for me, but also for my family and friends, whom I can now introduce to my network. For professionals with refugee status in the Netherlands, rebuilding a career, especially in your own field, is often very difficult. That’s why opportunities like this are incredibly important.”