Career opportunities, networks and quality of life help retain alumni in Brainport
Demand for technical talent in Brainport Eindhoven is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. To better understand what encourages graduates to stay in the region or leave after completing their studies, Brainport Development conducted two studies in collaboration with educational institutions. The findings provide valuable insights into what connects alumni to the region and where opportunities exist to strengthen talent retention.
Research into alumni retention
The research consisted of two studies. A qualitative survey among alumni of Eindhoven University of Technology, Fontys, Summa College and Ter AA explored motivations, experiences and future plans. In addition, a quantitative dashboard was developed using CBS microdata from graduates of Eindhoven University of Technology, Fontys, Summa College, Ter AA, Avans University of Applied Sciences and Tilburg University. This dashboard provides insight into graduate retention between 2014 and 2024.
A total of 2,117 alumni completed the survey. The study examined differences between vocational education (MBO), universities of applied sciences (HBO) and research universities (WO), as well as between Dutch and international alumni.
Career opportunities and personal connections are key reasons to stay
The research shows that career opportunities are the main reason alumni choose to remain in the Brainport region. Three out of four respondents identified employment and career prospects as a decisive factor. Family, friends and the quality of the living environment also play an important role.
Main reasons why alumni choose to continue living and working in the Brainport region
Many alumni feel strongly connected to the region. Those who both live and work in Brainport report the strongest sense of connection. Alumni frequently mention the combination of career opportunities, social networks and the innovative environment as reasons for staying.
Almost half of the alumni already intended to live or work in the region during their studies. This intention was particularly strong among MBO students. Among WO graduates, the percentage was lower. For some alumni, the desire to stay strengthened during their studies through internships, work experience and new social connections. For others, plans changed due to career opportunities elsewhere, international ambitions or personal relationships.
Housing remains a major challenge
For alumni who leave the region, other factors come into play. The most common reasons are more attractive personal or professional opportunities elsewhere, family or partners living outside the region, and a lack of affordable housing. Young professionals and international alumni are particularly affected by housing challenges.
Main reasons why alumni leave the Brainport region or settle elsewhere
The research highlights that access to suitable and affordable housing has a direct impact on retention. Even when attractive career opportunities are available, housing constraints can influence graduates' decisions about where to build their future.
Strengthening social integration and career pathways
The findings show that a sense of connection to the region starts during a student's education. Alumni who stay often build social and professional networks before graduating. At the same time, the transition from education to employment remains fragmented.
For that reason, the coming period will focus on:
- strengthening social integration throughout the student journey;
- introducing students to employers and career opportunities in the region at an early stage;
- increasing regional internships and practical work experience;
- creating a stronger joint talent approach between education and employers;
- providing additional support for international students.
The research also confirms that continued investment in affordable and suitable housing remains essential for retaining talent in the region.
Working together to retain talent
The results provide educational institutions, employers and governments with concrete insights to strengthen talent retention. In a region where demand for technical talent continues to grow, retaining students and graduates is essential to the future success of Brainport Eindhoven.
Contact
This article highlights the key insights from the research. Interested in the full results? Read the research report.
Do you have questions about the research or its findings? Get in touch with us.
The reserach is supported by the Brainport Partnerfonds and the National Microchip Talent Reinforcement Plan (Beethoven). Through the Partnerfonds, the business community, together with central government and the region, is investing in training and attracting additional technical talent to support the growth of the Brainport region. Within the reinforcement plan, TU/e, Fontys, Summa, Ter AA, Brainport Development and other covenant partners are collaborating under the name Talent for Semicon. Together, they will train thousands of additional people for the microchip industry by 2030, thereby strengthening the international competitive position of the Netherlands and the Brainport region.