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, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for those who need them most. 

Join us as we learn how Essent and the Refugee Talent Hub are making a difference, one mentorship at a time.

WHAT IS THE REFUGEE TALENT HUB?

The Refugee Talent Hub is an organization dedicated 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 and job offers. While our primary focus is professional mentorship, these relationships often evolve into deep friendships, enriching both mentees and mentors with cultural insights and shared experiences. 

At Essent, we are passionate about giving back to the community. Our former CIO, Michiel Valk, championed our involvement in this program in 2021, and his continued support underscores its importance to us. Each year we have a new dedicated team of 10-15 mentors from various IT roles who not only provide professional advice but also offer emotional support to refugees. 

Last week, we proudly hosted the closing event for the Refugee Talent Hub, celebrating the achievements of both mentors and mentees. We’d love to share some inspiring insights from the participants:

INSPIRING MENTORSHIP STORIES

Mentorship can be a good source for growth, confidence, and connection. 

These stories highlight the impact of dedicated mentors and mentees, showing how guidance and support can lead to warm progress.

NALIN & RUUD:

When Nalin first arrived in the Netherlands, navigating the job market felt overwhelming. But with Ruud as her mentor, she learned how to shift her mindset, develop discipline, and gain confidence in her abilities. Ruud was incredibly proud to see her grow, especially when she started landing multiple job interviews through his network. For both of them, mentorship was not just about career advice, it was about building a foundation for success.

TARIK & INGE:

Similarly, Tarik and Inge formed a strong bond, working together to refine Tarik’s skills and approach. At the closing event, Inge gifted him a small plant, a symbol of his immense personal and professional growth. Tarik reflected on how the mentorship program had taught him resilience, something that proved invaluable as he secured a job offer as a developer. His conversations with Inge about salary negotiation played a crucial role in preparing him for this next step.

ARWA’S JOURNEY:

For Arwa, the challenge wasn’t just about finding a job but rediscovering a part of herself. Back in her home country, she worked in IT, but upon arriving in the Netherlands, she found herself in restaurant and kitchen jobs. Through the Refugee Talent Hub, she regained her confidence and found the support she needed to re-enter the IT field.

AMEEN’S GROWTH:

Ameen, too, experienced personal growth through mentorship. With each conversation, he gained new insights and strategies that helped him reflect on his journey. Step by step, he developed a clearer vision for his future, growing both professionally and personally.

SEYMA & RENEE:

Some mentorships, however, go beyond professional development and turn into something even more special. That was the case for Seyma and Renee. From their very first meeting, Renee felt as if they were the same person, just born in different countries. She helped Seyma with her CV, motivation, and networking, but their relationship didn’t stop there. They became “taalmaatjes,” with Renee also helping Seyma improve her Dutch. What started as a traineeship opportunity soon blossomed into a true friendship.

MUSTAFA’S JOURNEY:

Mustafa’s journey as a full-stack developer was another good example of the impact of mentorship. Though he already had technical skills, he needed guidance to build confidence in his abilities and network. With the encouragement of his mentor, he sharpened his expertise and gained a clearer path toward his career goals.

Each of these stories highlights the power of mentorship, not just in securing jobs but in growth and meaningful human connections and understanding. Sometimes, the right support at the right time can change everything.

A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the mentors and refugee talents who participated in the Refugee Talent Hub. Your dedication and willingness to support one another have made this initiative a true success. Thank you for your invaluable contributions:

David Velarde, Luca Claessens, Loes Rijksen, David Bros, Kay Koenraadt, Leon Ewals, Santhosh Kumar Ravichandran, Aditi Paliwal, Ruud Gommers, Renee Albers, Leigh Fish, Daniel Kolenbrander, Natalia Szymanska, Ruben Meijs, Inge Mationschek, Jesse Schlienkamp, Azkar Moulana and Nina Kiemeneij.

Your efforts have not only helped refugees find opportunities but have also fostered meaningful connections and a sense of belonging. Together, we are creating a brighter future for all.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE REFUGEE TALENT HUB?

The Refugee Talent Hub is not just about career development—it’s about building connections and embracing diversity. At Essent, we are proud to be part of a program that empowers refugees to pursue fulfilling careers while enriching our own perspectives along the way.

This mid-September, we’re launching a new program to help even more refugees successfully integrate into Dutch culture and the workforce.

With each mentorship, we’re making a meaningful difference one connection at a time.

Want to learn more about Essent and the Refugee Talent Hub? Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming programs!