Established in 1969, Mediaan Conclusion is an international company catering to clients worldwide. Our diverse team, consisting of experts from over 10 nationalities, enables us to understand and meet the specific needs of clients on a global scale. Join us in getting to know Mathieu Renault, a Data Scientist from France, as he tells us his experience living abroad and adapting to the Dutch working environment!
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am Mathieu, a French Data Scientist at Mediaan Conclusion. Currently, I’m working on a project for a global innovator in nutrition, health and beauty. My role involves dashboarding & maintenance, performing descriptive analysis and predictive modeling through Machine Learning.
So, what made you move to the Netherlands?
I relocated to the Netherlands to pursue my Master’s degree at Maastricht University. The opportunity to gain an enriching international experience was my main motivation. Living abroad exposes you to different perspectives and challenges your usual values and traditions. This exposure opens you up to a range of possibilities and broadens your horizons.
Why did you choose to work at Mediaan Conclusion?
After completing my study, I joined Mediaan Conclusion because it seemed like the perfect next move. Moreover, Mediaan has an office in Heerlen, which is near Maastricht. The company’s dynamic, internationally friendly environment appealed to me and I noticed that right from my first interview. I expressed a keen interest in learning all aspects of my job, and this goal closely aligned with Mediaan Conclusion’s expectations.
How was your relocation experience to the Netherlands?
As someone who had never visited the Netherlands before, I certainly expected some challenges. However, the transition turned out to be seamless. The Dutch government provides all the necessary services online, making the process very easy. The only hurdle I faced was finding an apartment, but once that was taken care of, the rest fell into place.
Can you highlight the differences between the work culture in the Netherlands and France?
Though my work experience in France is limited, I’ve found significant differences in the work cultures of these two countries. Unlike France, where there is often pressure to work overtime, the Dutch prioritize keeping a work-life balance. You are expected to perform your duties, without overstretching or underperforming. The Netherlands also offers better flexibility – you can adjust your working hours to suit your schedule, provided you don’t have meetings. One aspect of France I miss is the warm meals in company canteens, which seems absent in Dutch companies.
Have you encountered any misconceptions or truths about the Dutch people?
One aspect of Dutch culture that struck me is their direct communication style. It takes some getting used to at first, but straightforward conversations can save a lot of time.
What would you advise people who are considering moving, but have doubts?
I would encourage you to go for it. The Netherlands offers all the advantages of a developed nation – safety, tranquility, happiness and a welcoming attitude. The only hiccup might be the occasional rainy weather.
Are you seeking a new career opportunity in the IT industry, particularly in the Netherlands? Perfect! We have several job openings that might be interesting for you! Check out our job page. We hope to welcome you as the new Medianer!
