'You can go a long way with a bit of Twente sobriety’

This article is part of the series 'Twente lives!' Here you will read personal stories about working and living in Twente. According to young talent ed people that we speak to, Twente is the place to be. The beautiful nature, the space, the down-to-earth mentality; all things that characterize Twente. In addition, there are plenty of career opportunities! Twente has many innovative, international and future-proof companies that are in need of  additional staff. Want to know what Twente has to offer? The story of Niels can be found below.

He started his new job seven months ago, and he is already very satisfied. “The work is fun and I am getting to know my colleagues well now that we work from home less. We go for drinks occasionally at De Twee Wezen or de Appel, two pubs in town, which is fun. The real staff outings are yet to come for me, but I have already heard that they are always great fun. That is only to be expected because the atmosphere and the cooperation with my colleagues are great.”

The reason may be the Twente mentality that Niels, who was born in Almelo, recognises. “Sober, relaxed and direct”, he says. “Everyone picks up their work immediately. Don’t nag, just do it. Most people from Twente are easy to get along with and they are direct, just like myself. That suits me because a bit of Twente's sobriety takes you a long way.”

Niels studied Middle Management Electrical Engineering in his hometown at MBO 4 level. He showed an affinity for technical things from a young age; Lego, Meccano and toys with electric motors were his favourites. He still repairs electronics in his spare time sometimes. “I love being able to see the result; you always know what you are doing it for. The same goes for my job. That may also be why people from Twente are always so nice; they are not afraid to get their hands dirty.”

He is now 27 years old and grew past the time of going out at the Amaliaplein in Almelo. He prefers to play the guitar or tennis, or go for a run in the neighbourhood. This neighbourhood will soon change though, because he is moving to Bornerbroek with his girlfriend, to a detached house with a garden. “Leaving the city might take some getting used to, but the area where we are going to live is beautifully green and quiet. You can find anything you like in Twente. You can go shopping or enjoy a nice terrace at the church in Enschede, but you can also find peace and quiet outside the city.”

Twente lives

Twente is the ideal place to live and work, according to the talents we meet. Want to know why? Read personal stories about living and making a career in Twente on twente.com/twente-leeft. Want to look for a job immediately? Then take a look at our extensive job site.