At Essent our commitment to inclusivity goes beyond our internal culture—it extends into the wider community through initiatives like the Refugee Talent Hub. This program is not just about providing professional guidance for refugees; it's about building meaningful relationships, growth, and creating opportunities for those who need it most.
Join us as we explore how Essent and the Refugee Talent Hub are making a difference, one mentorship at a time.
INTRODUCING MELANIE REMIE – ORGANIZATION
Hi there! I'm excited to share a bit about my career and passion projects. I started my journey in IT recruitment and consultancy, and now, I proudly serve as the Functional Recruitment Business Lead at Essent. From the moment I joined Essent, I’ve been actively participating in various events and organizations. I’m also a board member of the Women Energy Network within Essent and a dedicated mentor with the Refugee Talent Hub program.
WHAT IS THE REFUGEE TALENT HUB?
The Refugee Talent Hub is an incredible organization committed to helping refugees find mentors who can guide them in their professional journeys. Our mentors assist with CV reviews, discuss relevant courses, and leverage their networks to secure internships for refugees. While our primary focus is professional mentorship, these relationships often evolve into deep friendships, enriching both the mentees and refugees with cultural insights and shared experiences.
At Essent, we are passionate about giving back to the community. Our CEO, Michiel Valk, championed our involvement in this program in 2021, and his continued support underscores its importance to us. We have a team of 10-15 mentors from various IT roles who not only provide professional advice but also offer emotional support to refugees. One touching moment for me was reading a refugee’s note saying, "The hour spent with my mentor was the best hour of my week." This kind of feedback inspires us to continue our mission to support and guide refugees.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE REFUGEE TALENT HUB?
We’re gearing up for an exciting new phase! In mid-September, we’ll launch a new program aimed at preparing more refugees for the workforce. We’re also exploring opportunities within Essent itself. While our current focus is on helping refugees get started, our future goal is to offer internships at Essent, providing a direct path to employment within our company.
INTRODUCING ALI HABIB – MENTOR
HI ALI! CAN YOU BRIEFLY SHARE A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?
Of course! I'm Ali Habib. Originally from Egypt, I now work as a Senior Cloud Architect at Essent. In my free time, I love to immerse myself in nature and travel to new places. I consider myself quite an adventurer! Alongside my professional role, I volunteer with the Refugee Talent Hub initiative at Essent. I mentor refugees, helping them integrate into the labor market by crafting strong CVs and LinkedIn profiles, and guiding them through the job search process.
WHAT MADE YOU APPLY TO BE A MENTOR FOR THE REFUGEE TALENT HUB?
I've always had a passion for volunteer work. The idea that a small act of kindness can impact someone's life brings me satisfaction. Previously, I volunteered with elderly people, helping with cooking and groceries. When I learned about the Refugee Talent Hub, I was excited at the prospect of using my expertise in cloud engineering and architecture to assist refugees. Additionally, I was excited about the opportunity to help newcomers navigate the cultural and professional transition to life in the Netherlands.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING WITH REFUGEE TALENT?
One of the most rewarding aspects is witnessing the genuine passion and human connection that develops through the program. It's incredible to see how a simple gesture, like helping with a CV, can have such an impact. The gratitude expressed by the refugees is deeply moving and serves as the greatest compliment. Building friendships and seeing the effects of our efforts are truly fulfilling experiences.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE SOME OF THE MAIN CHALLENGES REFUGEES FACE WHEN ENTERING THE JOB MARKET?
Refugees face several significant challenges when entering the job market, primarily related to cultural differences, language barriers, and residency issues. Many come from competitive cultures where the job search process is very different. In the Netherlands, personal conversations and assignments are common parts of the job application process, which can be quite stressful for those unfamiliar with it. Additionally, securing residency can pose risks for employers, making it harder for refugees to find stable employment. Language is another major barrier; while English is widely spoken in multinational companies, proficiency in Dutch is often essential for many roles. In my opinion companies should look at the potential of guiding refugees instead of looking at all the risks.
WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED IN YOUR ROLE WITH REFUGEE TALENT?
The passion and determination of the refugees are incredibly inspiring. Their eagerness to contribute and succeed drives me to support them. Beyond professional guidance, it's crucial to be there for them emotionally. Many refugees have shared captivating and eye-opening stories about their journeys and the obstacles they've overcome to be here. Celebrating small steps and forming friendships through mentoring has been a deeply rewarding experience.
HOW DO YOU KEEP THINGS FUN AND ENGAGING FOR THE REFUGEES YOU WORK WITH?
I believe in being authentic and flexible, which helps keep our interactions enjoyable and engaging. I focus on making the experience pleasant and balanced between work and leisure. Celebrating small victories is essential. Whether it's landing an interview or resolving residency issues, every achievement is a reason to celebrate. I encourage my mentees to focus on their individual success stories rather than comparing themselves to others. This approach helps maintain motivation and positivity throughout their journey.
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST INTRODUCING TEKIN KIVRAK – REFUGEE TALENT
HI TEKIN! GOOD TO HAVE YOU HERE, COULD YOU TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOURSELF?
My name is Tekin, I was born and raised in Turkey. From there, I went to university in Ukraine. After the war started, I looked for safe places to go and came to the Netherlands. I really like it here, and currently, I am busy trying to learn the language.
CAN YOU SHARE A MILESTONE DURING YOUR PARTICIPATION?
A big milestone was when I got a message that my residence for a year was accepted. I was very happy that I could have residency and apply for jobs. I enjoyed being with my mentor a lot. It felt like a safe space.
WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU WORKING ON THIS PROJECT?
Well, there isn’t really a typical day. My mentor asked me every time what my needs were. Most of the time, it was work-related, like updating my CV, preparing for interviews, or exploring job opportunities. But sometimes, I really needed mental support as well. The experience was not just about professional development; it was about having someone who genuinely cared about my well-being. It was really nice to have a friend that I could talk about work with but also about personal life. We talked a lot about anything and everything—from cultural differences to personal challenges. Having these open and supportive conversations made me very happy and helped me feel more at home in a new country.
CAN YOU SHARE A MOMENT THAT REALLY INSPIRED YOU DURING THIS PROJECT?
Ali, my mentor, is a truly inspiring person. He celebrated every milestone with me, even those I didn’t initially see as milestones. For example, when I got news about my residency, Ali threw a small celebration. He showed me the importance of celebrating everything, no matter how small it seemed. This practice really lifted my spirits and made me realize that progress is made up of many small steps. The friendship that we built out of this refugee hub is one of the best things that happened to me. We still chat and meet up whenever we can. Ali’s consistent support and encouragement were a guiding light throughout my journey.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH MORE PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT REFUGEES AND THEIR POTENTIAL?
I wish that people looked at my potential more than the title of refugee. Most of them have more questions about my residence or language barrier than my actual talent, which is very sad. I constantly have to prove myself extra. Many refugees, including myself, have valuable skills and experiences that can greatly benefit any organization. Unfortunately, the label "refugee" often overshadows our capabilities. If more people focused on our skills and potential, rather than our status, they would see that we have a lot to offer. We are eager to contribute, learn, and integrate into the community. All we need is a fair chance to prove ourselves.
JOIN OUR MISSION
Our work with the Refugee Talent Hub reflects Essent’s dedication to diversity, inclusion, and community service. We’re proud to be part of such a meaningful initiative and look forward to making an even greater impact. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting journey!
Thank you for taking the time to learn about our efforts. If you're interested in supporting or joining us, please reach out. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of refugees and our community.