Meet Srini: a highly skilled migrant's journey to the Netherlands

Srini Ippili first came to the Netherlands using a Highly Skilled Migrant visa to work as an IT Consultant in the high-tech industry. While he had already secured a job at a multinational firm before arriving in the Netherlands, he decided to stay in the country motivated by the rapidly growing Dutch startup ecosystem and a culture that he found appealing due to its emphasis on self-care and growth.

Can you tell us about your journey to the Netherlands?

I got an opportunity through the company I worked for in India, which also has offices in the Netherlands. I began researching the Netherlands, and I learned quite a lot. For example, that innovation is the key here, which has led to a strong economy. I also read about how safe this country is and the quality of the education system and living conditions. All of this motivated me to move to the Netherlands. There was space to show my strengths and grow my career here. 

“I like that the Dutch culture strongly promotes health and fitness. People here are very conscious about their health.”

At the same time, I like that the Dutch culture strongly promotes health and fitness. People here are very conscious about their health. So I thought living in such an environment would definitely influence me to take care of myself. After that, I built up my personal life here, which was another reason I wanted to stay.

What is your impression of the high-tech ecosystem in the Netherlands?

The high-tech environment in this city is mature and diverse. Individuals in high-tech and the country as a whole have a startup mentality, which is also why the Netherlands has one of the best startup environments in the world.

“There are various ways in the ecosystem for people to enhance and utilise their skills & competencies to create something new that will benefit the world.”

The government supports this ecosystem by supporting both startups and the research that helps generate the ideas funnelled into these startups. There is also a lot of research happening in the software industry, where I am involved. Many of these companies rely on research which is a good motivator, and a robust digital infrastructure anchors the ecosystem. 

There are various ways in the ecosystem for people to enhance and utilise their skills & competencies to create something new that will benefit the world. So if someone has a talent in a specific area, they already have all the ingredients they need to build something themselves.