Enhancing the Integration of International Talent in the Venlo Region

Graduation Project | Start: September 2025

Applicable for International Business (IB) and Marketing Management (MM) students

Company: Research Group Cross-Border Business Development, Fontys Venlo

Date: Fall 2025

Contact persons:
Sofie Moresi, s.moresi@fontys.nl
Maike Koschke, m.koschke@fontys.nl

Topic: Enhancing the integration of international talent in the Venlo region

Location: Venlo / hybrid

About the Project
International students often face challenges when trying to find internships or job opportunities in the Venlo region. Despite their strong qualifications and motivation, many encounter language barriers or struggle to access local professional networks. At the same time, regional companies report difficulties in recruiting staff, yet many are not fully prepared to work with “non-Dutch speaking” employees—such as international students, cross-border workers, or recent immigrants.

This internship project aims to explore this talent mismatch from a business perspective. As part of the Cross-Border Business Development (CBBD) research group, you will investigate what regional companies need—in terms of tools, knowledge, and support—to attract, onboard, and retain international talent from Campus Venlo. The results will contribute to a better understanding of how to improve employability, employer branding, and talent retention in the region.

Your Role as an intern, you will:

• Conduct desk research on inclusive hiring and onboarding practices.

• Study regional companies and international students to identify needs, barriers, and opportunities.

• Analyze and summarize findings in a practical report or business toolkit.

• Work closely with the CBBD research team to translate insights into actionable recommendations for companies.

We are looking for a motivated and curious bachelor student who:

• Is interested in human resources, international business, or organizational development.

• Has strong communication and analytical skills.

• Is comfortable conducting interviews in English (Dutch or German is a plus, not required).

• Wants to make a practical contribution to cross-border talent development.

What We Offer

• A meaningful internship with real impact on students and companies in the region.

• Supervision by experienced researchers.

• Flexibility in working hours and location (hybrid is possible).

• A chance to connect your academic work to a real-world business challenge.

Interested?
Send a short motivation letter and your CV to Sofie Moresi, s.moresi@fontys.nl and Maike Koschke, m.koschke@fontys.nl.

Let’s shape the future of cross-border employability—together.